A Season to Remember

Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and finishes at sundown on Holy Thursday, is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It serves as a preparation in celebrating the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. We pray to the Lord by reading Sacred Scripture, serve by giving alms, and cultivate self-control by fasting during Lent. We are called not only to refrain from indulgences, but also to a deep conversion of heart as we follow Christ's wishes with purity and full willingness. In this season, we remember the waters of baptism, where we were baptized into Christ's death, death to sin and evil, and new life in Christ.

During the Lenten Season, Filipinos have traditionally observed the Holy Week, which usually falls in April. During Lenten Season, churches from all over the Philippines hold various activities for prayers, devotions, and other religious traditions to commemorate Jesus Christ's life and journey in saving us. As the only predominantly Catholic nation in Asia, Lenten Season has been considered as one of the most important religious events we celebrate. This is when Filipino religiosity reaches its pinnacle as reflected in numerous traditions, we practice remembering Christ's journey to the cross.

Holy Week transforms individuals into fervent pilgrims and devotees. As I've grown up into such kind of nature, I'm already used to seeing local scenes that are available during Holy Week. For all types of individuals, Vigan city has become a holy dream scape. During the Holy Week, Roman Catholics perform the visita iglesia, stations of the cross, and there are those who patiently wait for the procession to begin, reciting prayers while holding candles and rosaries as they walk with the carrozas, which carry sculptures depicting the Roman Catholic version of the gospel.

These are some of the practices and events that we Filipinos are passionate about which have drawn international attention.

As an altar server, I was able to fully understand the true significance of Lenten season and the Holy Week.  I am more than excited, and I feel honored to take part in this celebration such as in serving God. While I served God in masses, I slowly came to realize all the sacrifices Jesus Christ has done for us to be saved from all of our sins. If we always continue to repent and deepen our faith especially during the Lenten season, we will hopefully receive salvation. And as the Holy week implies that Christ is the Resurrection and the Life, we should change our bad traits and live in accordance to what God wants us to be.

The country's celebrations have different themes. One of them may be extravagant, lively, or solemn, it really depends on the location or occasion. But one thing is for sure, each event is an exhibition of Filipinos' spirituality while also highlighting the people's creative and artistic sides. Lenten Season serves as a reminder for us to value love, hope, and discover the true meaning of our lives. It is such a good culture that Filipinos represent Jesus' life and passion to show how salvation comes to everyone.

Reference:

        https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/lent

        https://www.fumcborger.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/153/2020/02/Lenten-season-1200x630-862x453.jpg