{"id":22340,"date":"2024-03-25T13:26:05","date_gmt":"2024-03-25T23:26:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/?p=22340"},"modified":"2024-03-25T13:29:46","modified_gmt":"2024-03-25T23:29:46","slug":"filipino-christians-focus-on-easters-religious-significance-first-its-about-jesus-and-his-resurrection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/2024\/03\/25\/filipino-christians-focus-on-easters-religious-significance-first-its-about-jesus-and-his-resurrection\/","title":{"rendered":"Filipino Christians Focus on Easter\u2019s Religious Significance, First, It\u2019s About Jesus and His Resurrection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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by Edwin Quinabo

<\/em>For millions of Filipino Christians around the world it\u2019s the most sacred time of the year \u2013 Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday March 24 and finishes on Easter Sunday March 31.

Holy Week concludes 40 days of the annual Lenten season (this year starting on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14), a time when the faithful immerse themselves in deep prayer, fasting, penance and almsgiving, all for the purpose of nurturing a deeper relationship with God, Christians say.

Pope Francis said, Holy Week marks “a time of grace\u00a0that the Lord gives us so that we may open the doors of our hearts and our communities, and to go out to meet Jesus and others, also to bring the light and joy of our faith.\u201d

From Palm Sunday to Easter<\/strong>
Biblical scholars debate the timeline of events that punctuate Holy Week and whether they happened within this short period of time of one week, but they estimate that starting from Passover, the dramatic events in the last days of Jesus occurred rapidly.

TIMELINE. What were these events said to have occurred during Holy Week? Sunday (Palm Sunday) — Jesus enters Jerusalem on Passover. \u00a0

Monday \u2013 Jesus clears the Temple overturning tables of money changers and market sellers-traders which disturbance gave the Romans and religious leaders fuel to seek him for questioning.

Tuesday \u2013 Jesus preaches at the Mount of Olives where he is questioned by the Pharisees and Sadducees. Intense conflict begins to break out in Jerusalem as talks spread of Jesus being the Messiah, the savior and liberator of the Jews.

Thursday (Maundy Thursday) <\/strong>\u2013 Jesus shares the Last Supper with his disciples from which Catholics later instituted the communion or Holy Eucharist. That evening, Roman soldiers arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Friday (Good Friday) \u2013 Jesus stands trial before the Sanhedrin (Jewish council) led by the high priest Caiaphas. Jesus is accused of blasphemy which is punishable by death and is turned over to Pilate (then Roman governor) who elects to have the crowd decide on who to crucify and who to set free between Jesus and the zealot Barabas, a convicted prisoner. The crowd chose Barabas. Jesus then is sentenced to death, tortured and crucified on Golgotha. Biblical scholars estimate Jesus died that late afternoon around 3:00 pm.

Saturday (Holy Saturday) \u2013 Jesus\u2019 body rests in a tomb.

Sunday (Easter) — Jesus rises from the dead.

Hawaii Filipinos observing Holy Week<\/strong>
Edna Bautista, Ewa Beach, a Catholic-Christian, said she and her husband attend all masses during the Easter Triduum–from Maundy Thursday and Good Friday to either Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday, along with her parents who serve as eucharistic ministers at church. After a busy Triduum, she said they simply celebrate relaxing with a meal and movie on Easter Sunday.

\u201cIt\u2019s refreshing to witness the Elect get baptized into the Catholic Church on Easter Vigil [Holy Saturday]. We see the salvation that Christ brings to souls, and I pray that more find and practice the faith, especially in a time when many people have sadly fallen away and become easily susceptible to twisted and misguided influences,\u201d Bautista said.

Alyssa Laureta, Honolulu, said she normally celebrates Easter by going to Sunday service at Pearlside Church with family and friends followed by sharing a meal with her loved ones.

Marline Corpuz, a Catholic-Christian, attends Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ewa Beach or St. John the Baptist in Kalihi on the Easter Triduum. \u201cSome years I feel nostalgic, so I bring my family to St. John\u2019s, the Church of my childhood, during some days of Holy Week. Otherwise, it\u2019s more convenient to attend our neighborhood church in Ewa,\u201d she said.

Bautisa and Corpuz are among some 263,000 Catholics in Hawaii or about 15% of the state\u2019s population. It\u2019s believed just over 40% of Hawaii Catholics are of Filipino ancestry.

In Hawaii, there are many Filipino Catholic clubs under the umbrella organization Diocesan Congress of Filipino Catholic Clubs (DCFCC). A local Office for Filipino Ministries helps to bring over priests from the Philippines to work in Hawaii. It was founded by Father Henry Benedict Sabog, the first priest of Filipino ancestry ordained in Hawaii in 1960. Prior to that before Hawaii became a state, Philippines-ordained priests were sent to the islands to help build the local Roman Catholic Church.

Today, at any given time there are between 30-50 priests of Filipino ancestry working in the state, the highest number among ethnic groups in Hawaii.

In 2021, the Philippines celebrated 500 years of Catholicism which was brought to the country in the early 16th century when Spanish missionaries and colonists brought over their religion, beginning in Cebu. According to the 2020 Census Population and Housing, there are about 85.5 million Catholics in the Philippines or 78.8% of the country.

Cardinal Antonio Luis Tagle, former archbishop of Manila now a cardinal and third highest rank in the entire Roman Catholic Church, is believed to be on a short list of Papabile (Pope-To-Be) after Pope Francis. \u00a0Known by insiders as a charismatic evangelizer, Tagle\u2019s skills are said to be favorable in this time that the Church is looking to expand evangelization in Asia and Africa, as well as expand their reach in the new frontier of digital evangelization.

Pope Francis said during his historic visit to the Philippines in 2015: \u201cFilipinos everywhere are known for their love of God, their fervent piety and their warm devotion to Our Lady and her rosary. This great heritage contains a powerful missionary potential.\u201d

Sharing the Gospel and serving in ministry<\/strong>
It was through Christian missionary work that Laureta\u2019s life was radically changed, she says. When she was a student at Hawaii Pacific University, she met a team of campus missionaries and faith-filled students. \u201cThey came into my life and demonstrated God\u2019s love for me,\u201d she explains. \u201cAs a sophomore in college, I was lost, depressed, unsure of my future, and didn\u2019t know what my purpose in life was. It was because of this campus ministry that allowed me to fill a void in my heart that nothing of this world could fill – but only God could.\u201d

Seven years later, Alyssa and her husband Vien, are now Campus Missionaries with Every Nation Churches & Ministries. \u201cWe work with college students on UH Manoa, UH West Oahu, Leeward Community College, and Hawaii Pacific University.\u00a0Just as my life has been changed\u00a0by discovering love, passion, and a purpose in a growing relationship with God, I believe He is calling us to reach this next generation for them to experience the same.\u00a0

\u201cOur heart and desire are to engage, establish, equip and empower young leaders to unashamedly share the Gospel wherever they go and to make a difference wherever they are.\u00a0We are also\u00a0passionate about sharing with others how God is moving in the next generation and ways we can partner to\u00a0raise and reach them together,\u201d Alyssa said.

Bautista served in the marriage sponsors ministry and helped prepare engaged couples for the Sacrament of Marriage. Edna and her husband have been married for over 27 years. \u201cI believe that a Christ-centered marriage is a strong foundation for building a happy and stable family life which positively leads to creating good and safe communities. It is important with these Christian principles to pay it forward and be the best example of Christ that we can be,\u201d she said.

Corpuz is not in ministry of any kind, but says she is active in perpetuating the faith among her family. She explains, \u201cas the eldest sibling, I\u2019m the one who coordinates our Easter dinner each year which is a large celebration for all my siblings, their families and mine. \u00a0We grew up with this tradition of Easter being a very special day in the year. And I want this tradition for our children and grandchildren,\u201d Corpuz said.

Filipino Holy Week and Easter traditions<\/strong>
On Palm Sunday Mass, woven palm fronds or palapas<\/em> blessed by a priest are handed out to congregants as a reminder when the son of man riding a lowly donkey was welcomed with waving palm leaves. On this day, Jesus\u2019 arrival was met with jubilation by some of his followers as word spread quickly among Jews that the Messiah was making his glorious arrival.

Filipinos bring home their palm fronds and place them on a table set up for Holy Week that typically includes a cross, Jesus and Mary statues and fresh flowers. The fronds are believed to bring blessings into the home.

On one of the days in Holy Week typically before Good Friday, Filipinos practice the old custom \u201cPabasa ng Pasyon<\/em>\u201d (reading of the Passion) or \u201cPabasa<\/em>\u201d for short at a family member\u2019s home. At these gatherings women lead the Pabasa<\/em>. In the traditional way, they kneel before the temporary Holy Week alter \u2013 while the men gather behind them also facing the altar.

A related tradition that\u2019s often done at the same gathering is the \u201cPasyong Mahal<\/em>,\u201d a sixteenth century epic sonnet portraying the life, crucifixion and eventual resurrection of Jesus. The Pasyong Mahal<\/em> is sung in a eulogic, melodic lament, and with a palpable sadness in the voices of the lolas <\/em>(elderly women) leading it. The entire narration is done in a group chant in acapella with a lead vocalist narrating it. In some cases, there is musical instrument accompaniment like a guitar or more elaborately a rondalla<\/em> (multiple instrument) ensemble when done in public spaces.

Typically, tears are shed as the faithful sing and meditate on the suffering of Christ. Dressed in black (traditionalists wear a black or purple veil) as in a funeral, the epic Pasyong Mahal<\/em> can last for hours. The idea is that the faithful participants are with Christ during his agonizing, long physical death.

That solemnity of the Pabasa<\/em> and Pasyong Mahal<\/em> culminates on Good Friday. In the Philippines, there is an extreme tradition that\u2019s discouraged today but still practiced called the penitensya<\/em> or penance that involves magdarames <\/em>(those who volunteer to share in someone else\u2019s sorrow) practicing self mortification of the flesh such as hitting oneself on the back with leather straps or crawling, lying down, or walking barefooted in a Good Friday procession that reenacts Christ\u2019s journey carrying the cross.

The magdarames orflagelantes<\/em> (flagellants) believe not only that they are giving penance for their sins and others\u2019 sins but comforting the Lord by capturing this spirit of oneness in spirit and sorrow with him. The ultimate act of penitensya<\/em> is the actual crucifixion of three chosen penitents. The penitensya<\/em> in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines, have Catholic-Christians from around the world flocking there to witness it.

Today, more commonly, Good Friday customs most Filipinos follow in and outside the Philippines is simpler by attending the Stations of the Cross followed by Mass where attendees practice the pahalik<\/em>, a devotion that involves kissing the image of the dead body of Christ on the cross.

Easter, Christ is Risen<\/strong>
Concluding Holy Week is Easter Sunday when Christians celebrate the risen Christ who rose from his death by crucifixion after the third day. Easter in the Philippines is called Pasko ng Pagkabuhay<\/em> or Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay<\/em>.

\u201cAs they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. \u2018Don’t be alarmed,\u2019 he said. \u2018You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples\u2026’\u201d Mark 16:5-7.

Christians believe Jesus\u2019 crucifixion was the heavy ransom Christ voluntarily paid for the sins of mankind so that all who believe in him can have salvation. Easter represents hope in eternal life and renewal of Christians\u2019 faith in Jesus Christ.

Celebrations that mark the resurrection of Christ can be found across the Philippines from big cities to small towns. One of the most popular Easter processions is called the salubong<\/em> that depicts the end of suffering by the removal of a black veil over the statue Mary.

Nonreligious Easter practices<\/strong>
The nonreligious celebration of Easter has children searching for eggs or artificial eggs with small prizes or money in them.

\u201cWhen I lived on the mainland, I had foodie friends from around the world who shared their culture and cuisine with me. Sometimes I still try to incorporate those Easter traditions into my own celebrations\u2014from eating Polish\u00a0paczkis<\/em>\u00a0(jelly-filled donuts) or Portuguese\u00a0malasadas<\/em>\u00a0the day before Ash Wednesday and Mexican\u00a0capirotada<\/em>\u00a0(bread pudding) during Lent to dying eggs red like the Greeks and baking braided breads like the Ukrainians for Easter. Sometimes I would make pastel-colored\u00a0puto<\/em>,\u00a0because I think they look like Easter eggs, and share these sweet Filipino rice cakes on our international table. There are so many fascinating Easter traditions around the world, and I loved how our global get-togethers show both the diversity and unity as Christians,\u201d Bautisa said.

Laureta describes her typical Easter events. \u201cWe would do activities together like color eggs, fill eggs for the egg hunt, and just eat good food and sweets all day. During the egg hunt, it has been always competing on where the \u2018golden egg\u2019 is and who would find it.\u201d She said one memorable Easter, \u201cOne year an egg had $50 inside and that golden egg was balancing on our uncle’s beer bottle he was holding, but no one thought to look there until all the eggs were taken in the yard.\u201d

Meaning of Easter<\/strong>
In St. Thomas Aquinas\u2019 critically acclaimed Meditation for Each Day of Lent<\/em>, he said, \u201cthere was not any more fitting way to free the human race than through the Passion of Christ. In the Passion, He [Jesus] gave us an example of obedience, humility, constancy, justice and of other virtues also, all of which we must practice if we are to be saved. Christ suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow His steps.\u201d

Bautista said, \u201cWhat makes Christianity unique is not that Christ died as people do, but that He rose from the dead, which is a tenet of our faith. He represents hope and love in an imperfect world. Because of our human failures, Jesus sacrificed His life for me and for all us sinners so we can be redeemed. As a Catholic-Christian, I try to follow His example and strive to do good on Earth and one day to be with Him in Heaven. Per the Great Commission, it is our duty to help others get there, too.\u201d

Laureta said, \u201cEaster is a reminder of the pain Jesus endured through the crucifixion on the cross and the victory he won through the resurrection from the grave. What this means for us is that there’s hope and assurance that no matter our past or present circumstances, Jesus offers forgiveness and the promise of eternal life to all who believe in Him.\u201d

Corpuz gets emotional whenever she thinks about what Jesus did on Easter. \u201cI am so thankful to God for sending His son Jesus whose death on the cross saved us from our sins. We\u2019re all sinners and undeserving of eternal life in heaven. How loving of God to have found a way for us to be redeemed and share eternal life with Him,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd Jesus\u2019 dying on the cross was that way. This is why we celebrate Easter with pure joy and gratitude.\u201d

<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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