Celebrating Holy Week: Reflections from Dabawenyos

Holy Week is a significant part of the liturgical year celebrated by Catholics annually. It is the last days of “Kwaresma” and the so-called Paschal triduum.

Two individuals shared their insights on the events during Holy Week, lessons learned on the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They were reminded on how Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross.

Karen Pescardo, 44-year-old, grabbed the opportunity to become active in participating in Church activities in celebrating Holy Week. It became vital for her to join celebrations and attend mass.

Pescardo talked about her experience, where she was allowed to serve as an apostle at St. Joseph the Worker Parish during last year’s Holy Week. During her experience, she took the opportunity because they were looking for someone, and she felt like it was a wish granted.

Pescardo addressed a prevalent misconception she often encounters. “Some people mistakenly believe that a lack of faith means they cannot be saved, but this idea is misguided. It’s essential for us to nurture our faith and work towards cultivating a deeper relationship with God,” she explained.

Elena Castanos, a 28-year-old cashier in a private bank, expressed herself the sacredness of Holy Week: “Without his sacrifice, we wouldn’t exist in this world. Celebrating Holy Week is about cherishing his legacy and understanding that life is temporary,” she remarked.

Castanos finds her way to connect with the events of Holy Week through personal experience, as mentioned in an interview, that the Lord didn’t forsake anyone, which every person has their purpose, similar to what Jesus’ mission had in his life.

Pescardo highlighted the heavy burden of grief, leading her to reflect, “I realized that death is a painful experience.” In contrast, Castanos emphasized the importance of faith and respect in interactions, a reminder to be faithful to our religion and treat everyone equally and with respect, just as Jesus did.

Both Pescardo and Castanos shared the same knowledge in terms of Jesus’ sacrifice and suffering, that is truly made for humanity. As they reflected after the Holy Week, each woman shared their perspective.

As Dabawenyos embraced Holy Week, their reflections exemplify the significance of faith, and the lessons emerge from the life of Jesus Christ. They inspired others to partake in the meaningful celebration, fostering a deeper connection to their beliefs. (Maria Jasmine Abrao | HCDC Intern)