Reconnecting Faith through Holy Week Traditions

Among the most sacred times of the church, Holy Week is also considered predominant where we remember the final days of Jesus, including His suffering, death, and resurrection.

It is a week-long celebration that allows us to spend time in church with our families and friends, especially since most of us don’t have work or school during this time.

This is a good and joyful opportunity for British John Pedida, a student living in Matina Crossing, Davao City, as he dedicates his time fully to God and reflects on what Jesus has done for us.

Included in this are the various ways of observing Holy Week, such as the “Visita Iglesia,” which is Pedida’s favorite tradition where he visits different churches in the city and prays together with their churchmates.

Pedida also realizes the significance of his life during Holy Week prayers, understanding that it’s important to learn Jesus’ teachings, reflect on His life, and recognize His sacrifice for humanity.

The Easter Vigil is another significant observance during Holy Week which was observed by a devoted Catholic Kyle Pasilbas, a Parish Youth Apostolate of Saint John the Baptist Parish of Lasang, Davao City.

According to Pasilbas, The Great Vigil of Easter or Black Saturday is a solemn celebration held before the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, wherein we welcome a new life, for her, it signifies new beginnings for everyone and a sign that the Savior is about to resurrect.

She also emphasizes that according to the dogma of the church, it is said to be the most important celebration during the holy week which she always looks forward to for the reason that the church is the liveliest and everyone is glad that the Savior is about to come.

“During the Easter Vigil Mass, there is the Sacrament of Baptism or the renewal of baptismal promises wherein the bendita sa kalayo ug sa tubig is being done”, Pasilbas added.

Meanwhile, those are not the only traditions happening during Holy week, Tissa Mae Obguia, a resident of Lasang, Davao City, has been experiencing The Station of the Cross which is also the most important celebration she does during the Holy Week.

According to Obguia, that walking with her fellow catholics all throughout the fourteen (14) stations is nothing compared to the stations and paths Jesus passed by carrying the cross which is a reminder for her of what Jesus went through in order to save the world.

“During the 365 days a year, we are only asked to make time for a day, that one day is during the Good Friday where we try to appreciate and experience what Jesus experienced and ponder on these experiences”, she added.

Indeed, the diversity of celebrating Holy week led us to take time to reflect, renew, and realign our faith and trust to God through His life, death, and resurrection.

This salient event as a Catholic is a reminder of His goodness not only during Holy week but everyday, as we return to our respective work and school.

May we all be reminded that we are all nothing without Christ, our Savior. (Thea Angela Longino and Ayah Deniega)