Alay Lakad to Antipolo resumes this Thursday

MANILA, Philippines — Devotees of the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, known as the Antipolo Church, may again observe their annual religious vow with the resumption of the Alay Lakad this Holy Week.

The tradition, which involves walking a distance of 17 kilometers, was suspended for more than two years due to the COVID pandemic.

On its official Facebook page, the Antipolo Cathedral said the Alay Lakad will start at 6 p.m. on Maundy Thursday from Tikling district in Taytay, Rizal to the Antipolo Cathedral.

The church urged Catholics and devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary to participate in the Alay Lakad.

Before the pandemic, the church said millions of devotees joined the annual religious activity as their way of reflecting, observing and revisiting the Lord’s suffering, death and resurrection.

A complete schedule of the cathedral’s activities for the Holy Week can be accessed on its official website.

Visit churches

While most Filipinos spend the Holy Week break at the beach and other tourist destinations, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged them to go on a Visita Iglesia, or visit at least seven churches on Thursday and Friday.

CBCP Public Affairs Committee executive secretary Jerome Secillano said Catholics should not only take the Holy Week break for leisure, but also for their spiritual nourishment.

“Go on a Visita Iglesia. It’s a moment to reflect, it’s a moment to pray. It’s not a socialization activity, but when you go there make sure it’s for sacred purposes and not for other practical or mundane purposes,” Secillano said.

He said the Visita Iglesia is a sacrifice for everyone to share Christ’s passion.

Catholic churches nationwide are open for Visita Iglesia.

Schedules for holy masses on Thursday and Friday can be viewed on the official social media pages of Catholic churches nationwide.

Secillano said online masses would still continue in some churches, although the physically abled people are encouraged to visit churches.

He said live-streamed masses are intended for the elderly and people with special needs.

Secillano said Catholics may or may not wear face masks as this is no longer required.

“I could not speak for the entire church. We can have different regulations. If one parish tells you to wear a mask, you have to abide by the rule,” he said.

In an interview with the Church-run Radyo Veritas, CBCP Episcopal Commission on Liturgy chair Bishop Victor Bendico reiterated Secillano’s sentiments, saying that Catholics should seek “conversion” during the Holy Week break.

Bendico said the Holy Week summons people to conversion, to a change of mentality and heart, especially in prayers and charity.

“The Catholic Church still teaches us about restitution … that we are required to make reparation for injustices committed and restore stolen goods to their owner. Let us save our house, our life, through restitution,” he said.