Philippines: A Traditional Way of Celebrating the Holy Week

Catholicism is the religion of of majority of people in the Philippines. Colonized by Spain for 300 years, they were greatly influenced in many aspects of their life, including religion. Many of their practices came from their colonizers, and perhaps modified to their own culture and taste. Modern time has done a great deal to contribute to change, but many still try to practice and let these religious traditions thrive.

In this country, almost the entire holy week is considered sacred. Many would take a vacation from work starting Holy Monday, and would resume work after Easter. Going to the provinces is a common thing, thus, the sight of full-packed buses is expected. For Filipinos, this is a celebration that should be done with the family, so going home to their parents, wives and children is a must.

For offices, work technically stops on Maundy Thursday as this is already declared a holiday. If they could not start their vacation on Holy Monday, then others would try to start at least on Holy Wednesday.

As early as Holy Wednesday, some do the "Penitencia". This is when men (and some women) would reenact the the sufferings of Jesus by carrying wooden crosses, flagellating themselves with thorny and sharp objects and ropes, and even allow themselves to be nailed on the cross.

Maundy Thursday is a day of a lot of prayers. The tradition starts with a mass in the late afternoon or early evening, which is highlighted by the "Washing of the Feet". Instead of a regular mass, there are 12 men who would pose as Jesus' disciples. The priest officiating the mass plays the role of Jesus. They have a ready basin with water and a piece of cloth. To explain the meaning of humility and service, Jesus (as represented by the priest) would wash the feet of the 12 men.

After the mass, there is a short procession to move the consecrated host from the tabernacle to the altar of repose. This is an altar that is beautifully adorned by flowers, lacy white cloths and lighted by many candles. This is going to be visited by plenty of people who would go from one church to another to do their traditional "Visita Iglesia". Some choose to do a many as 13 different churches, while others could opt for at least 7. They would visit the altar of repose and say their prayers. The side of the church that holds the altar of repose would be open until 12 midnight. There is a continuous vigil of prayers and songs until midnight.

Some houses hold what is called the "Pabasa" which actually is a reading of a book about the Passions of Christ. It is read however, in a sing-song tone. Certain verses can be read using a different "tune", and then the readers would shift to another for the next parts. Individuals or groups take turns. This is non-stop and the entire book is usually finished the following day.

In some provinces, the "Pabasa" is done in the churches. You can read and sing with the other church goers, and then have a helping of the refreshments outside the church.

On Good Friday, the is no more mass to be held. A service is done to reflect on the "Seven Last Words" said by Jesus Christ on the cross. A priest and other guests would take turns in discussing. It usually starts as 12 noon and ends at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the supposed time of death of Jesus. At 3 p.m. everyone is quietly in prayer. Some have the tradition of praying the Apostle's Creed 7 times, kneeling and with outstretched arms. This could be done at home with the entire family.

A long procession follows after this. The "Santo Entierro" or the statue of bloodied and dead body of Jesus usually encased in glass, is at the very end of the procession. Joining the procession are other religious images of different saints and images of the Virgin Mary. The rosary is said over and over during this lengthy procession.

People are encourage do be silent and reflective until Saturday evening. The mood changes only the following day during the "Salubong" (meeting). At dawn, two groups of procession would come from different directions. The first group would be led by the image of the risen Christ, while the other group is led by the image of the Mater Dolorosa, or the sorrowing mother of Jesus. At a designated spot, a real girl would be dressed as an angel and be helped to stay in a high platform. Once the two images meet, the "angel" would lift the black veil of the virgin mother, to signify the end of her sorrow and see her resurrected son. Bells would toll, singing will be heard and there is joyfulness around as they shout: "The Lord is risen!". A mass would follow after this and for the first time again, the Gloria will be sung.

Filipinos take these religious customs seriously. The older ones try to teach these to their children and their children's children. Images are considered as family heirlooms and prized possessions. They rent places for safekeeping of the images and the important materials needed for the processions. They hire people to clean, take care of these images and do the intricately-designed expensive clothes. The practices are taught, explained and done so the younger ones would understand and continue them.

For Filipinos, these customs show their love for their faith and their culture. Aside from believing that these would help them atone for their sins, these practices are their unique way of expressing their religious beliefs and values.