How does the Philippines observe the Lenten season?

By Rosemarie Zamora

The Philippines is largely a Catholic country, with approximately 85.65 million Filipinos, or 78.8% of the population, identified as Roman Catholic.

As the only Christian nation in Asia, one of the most important celebrations for Filipinos is the Lenten season, as evident in the many traditions and practices that parishes and churches conduct during the Lenten season.

This season, marked by reflection, penance, and spiritual renewal, holds special importance in Filipino culture. 

Let’s delve into some of the different traditions and practices in the Philippines during the Lenten season.

Ash Wednesday

The Lenten season commences during the observance of Ash Wednesday, occurring 46 days before Easter Sunday. 

When Ash Wednesday begins, Catholics are encouraged to start fasting, abstinence, and repentance. 

Ash Wednesday is when Catholics receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross, symbolizing repentance and mortality. 

Catholics are also encouraged to participate in the sacrament of confession, seeking forgiveness for their sins and embracing spiritual renewal.

Palm Sunday

Leading up to Holy Week, Catholics are celebrating Palm Sunday. 

This is a commemoration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. 

This also marks the beginning of Holy Week. 

During the observation of Palm Sunday, Filipinos bring palm fronds to churches for them to be blessed during masses. 

It symbolises the crowds’ enthusiasm as they welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem. 

After the palm fronds are blessed, Catholic families display them in their homes as a form of protection.

Pabasa

During Holy Week, Catholics hold “Pabasa ng Pasyon” or simply Pabasa to express devotion and faith. 

This tradition involves the continuous chanting or singing of the Pasyon, a narrative that recounts the life, suffering, and death of Jesus Christ.

Visita Iglesia

Visita Iglesia is when Catholics visit seven different churches, offering believers a unique opportunity for spiritual pilgrimage and reflection during the Lenten season. 

The visit to seven churches symbolises the Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross and the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church. 

At each church, they engage in prayer and reflection and often participate in the Stations of the Cross, a series of images or plaques depicting Jesus Christ’s final hours, from his condemnation to his crucifixion and burial.

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Senakulo

Senakulo is a form of drama depicting the Passion of Christ, performed in communities across the country. 

Participants of the senakulo reenact the story of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice. 

It offers a powerful tool for evangelisation and spiritual reflection during the Holy Week.

Good Friday Penitence

This tradition observes the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, commemorating His sacrifice for humanity’s redemption. 

On this day, Catholics engage in acts of penitence to express profound reverence for Christ’s suffering.

Salubong

After solemn observances during the Holy Week, Easter Sunday signals the culmination of the Lenten season and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. 

During this ceremony, Catholics await the symbolic reunion of the resurrected Christ and the Virgin Mary.

These practices and traditions in the Philippines during the Lenten season reflect the faith and devotion of Filipinos.

From solemn church services to community processions, the Lenten season offers a powerful opportunity for Filipinos to deepen their faith and strengthen their connection to both God and their communities.

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