Holy Week

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

Holy Week (Latin: Hebdomada Sancta) is in Christianity the week from Palm Sunday (also called Passion Sunday) through Holy Saturday, leading to Easter Sunday.

Today is Palm Sunday. Have you gone to Church and had those palms (palaspas) blessed? Holy Week is locally called Cuaresma or Semana Santa. The start of Holy Week is Palm Sunday. Catholics carry palm leaves, known as palaspas, to chuch for the priest to bless. From Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday, some people still have work to do, some take their much needed vacation. Senakulos here and there, Pabasa in almost every corner of the road. Catholics celebrate Maundy Thursday, attending church services and watching Passion Plays. Our family does the Visita Iglesia on this day. On Good Friday, people just stay home and reflect. This is such a lonely day, as well. I remember during my kiddie-days, my brother & I would wait for the rain. I can't explain it but it always does on Good Friday. Black Saturday, is a reunion for us. Families from both sides meet up, have lunch at our place and just enjoy the rest of the day. Easter Sunday is such a joyful occasion that starts with the salubong, where the statues representing the Risen Christ and the Grieving Mother Mary are carried to meet at an appointed place.

I saw the news last night and people are now flocking the bus terminals to get a ride on the way home to their respective hometowns. This season, aside from Christmas, I believe, brings families together. Employees get a week long rest from their jobs and get to stay with their families for a much-needed vacation.

We must still remember what Lent is all about. True, it's this time where we can relax & enjoy, but please be reminded what this season is all about.