Holy Week or Semana Santa or Cuaresma is definitely the most sacred time of the year. It is the last week of Lent before Easter, beginning on Palm Sunday and ending on Holy Saturday. During this week, we are reminded to reflect upon the meaning of the death of Jesus on the cross.
This year I observed Holy Week with my family. It was a busy week for us. March 8, Saturday, Bapang Vic died of heart failure. I went to his funeral last Palm Sunday. Mom attended the funeral from Sunday to Monday night. March 18 9:00 AM is Bapang Vic’s burial. Mom and I went to Holy Mary Memorial Chapel to attend the burial. Incidentally, two important occasions in my life were celebrated in this week. First, March 18, it’s our (Cyril and I) 3rd year Anniversary together and second, March 21, Friday is Papa’s Death Anniversary. My family went to La Pieta to visit the grave of Dad. We brought some flowers and candles. We also brought some food to eat after praying for the soul of our dear Papa.
Past 12:00 noon we closed the drugstores. Dex and Jacky together with the sales clerks (Joy, Jessa, Carlynne, Ghen, Edlyn and Richelle) went to Pampang to look for nagpepenitensiya – men naked from the waist up and walking barefoot as they scourge themselves with ropes or bamboo sticks. Mom and I stayed in the drugstore and slept there while waiting for them. This is how I observed my Holy Week this year. A time with my family. Unlike last year, I’m with my friends. No matter how you celebrate it what’s important is that you reflect on the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ. This is the time we can think about Him and His sacrifices. This has to be balanced. It should be both a time for vacation and reflection.
