Holy Week continues with events around the world memorializing the week leading up to Jesus of Nazareth’s crucifixion, death and resurrection.
In the Philippines, after kicking off the week with Palm Sunday, the faithful continued with Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday.
Holy Monday commemorates the day that Jesus cleansed the temple of moneychangers; that day he also cursed the unfruitful fig tree and debated those who questioned his authority.
On Holy Tuesday, the observances focus on how Jesus predicted his own death. As part of the commemoration, the faithful begin to walk spiritually — and literally — to Calvary with Christ. The Manila Times reports:
Traditionally in the Philippines, the major procession of the Journey to Calvary is held on Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday, with Jesus as the main figure accompanied by the images of the saints present during Christ’s walk to Calvary.
The activities are held in churches, streets, town squares and homes in a typical mood of feasting and celebration, Bayaua said. “Exuberance is a good word to describe it,” he said.
So while the rest of the Christian world wears a long face, Bayaua said Filipino Catholics are exuberant as they witness the procession of the tearful images of saints. “Catholic life never seems to be as vibrant as during these days of the Holy Week,” he said.
As part of the Holy Week observances, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown said the faithful should pray, fast, and participate in acts of charity to prepare their hearts for Easter.
“Everything that we have, that we possess is a gift from God. It’s God’s gracious presence in our lives that gives us material goods and we should be proud to share that with others, to help others,” Archbishop Brown said.
“From the very beginning, we as Christians try to help one another and help our less fortunate brothers and sisters to acts of charity. I know that Caritas Manila is having their telethon today, I will certainly encourage everyone to be as generous as possible,” said Brown.
See this video from Esquire Philippines for more about Holy Week traditions there:
Photo by Ramon F Velasquez.
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