SENATOR Loren Legarda urged Filipinos, regardless of faith, to maintain religious customs.

Legarda, whose family conducts “pabasa” or “Reading of the Lord’s Passion” every Holy Wednesday, said Tuesday that Lenten traditions have continued to strengthen the faith of many.

“The Lenten Season, especially the Holy Week, is a time for contemplation. We observe Filipino Holy Week traditions as part of renewing our relationship with God,” she said.

Legarda, however, said that some of the Lenten traditions are already dying.

She hopes that Filipino Catholics of the present generation will continue to honor these traditions by prioritizing the observance of these practices every Holy Week.

“I also encourage non-Catholic Filipinos to preserve their respective religious practices because these are part of our heritage and culture, which are very important aspects of our identity and as a people,” she added.

Even if there are different religious traditions in the country, Legarda said observing the customs will provide unity to all Filipinos.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who will be spending the Holy Week with his family in “quiet reflection,” also encouraged all Filipinos to pray with their loved ones to strengthen their faith in God.

“May this time of prayer draw us closer to our loved ones and strengthen the bonds that join us a nation. Let us all pray for strength in our faith and encourage in our actions to help endure any crossed we may carry in our lives,” Marcos said. (Sunnex)