CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma urged Catholics to spend Holy Week in reflection and not on vacation.
Palma reminded the faithful that Holy Week is a time when one finds peace of mind and body through God.
“We continue to remind about the need to change our attitude toward Holy Week. It is a time to reflect on our Lord’s sacrifice. There will always be a time for vacation,” Palma said.
He made the reminder in his homily during Palm Sunday Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral yesterday afternoon.
He reminded the faithful that one can reflect on the lessons of Lent by participating in church activities during the Easter Triduum, or the three-day period starting Maundy Thursday where the liturgy focuses on the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
At the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, activities have been organized by its team of pastors starting today until Easter Sunday.
Priests assigned at the Cathedral will hear daily confession every 10 a.m. to 12 noon and at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
At 5 p.m. tomorrow, the Cathedral will hold the procession of the “Pasos” or Episodes of the Passion of Christ and Stations of the Cross.
Starting on Maundy Thursday, the Cathedral will also hold the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 4 p.m. Palma will serve as main celebrant.
On the same day, a Visita Iglesia or the Seven Churches Visitation will be held at 7 p.m.
On Good Friday, the Cathedral will play host to the yearly Siete Palabras or the Seven Last Words of Jesus at 1 p.m.
“Our time with the Lord through prayer, reflection and participating in the activities of the Church will bring one’s renewal and peace of mind and body,” Palma added. (JKV)