Stations of the Cross
In the Philippines, we have a procession with the stations of the cross spread throughout the town. It's basically an entire afternoon deal. There's usually a young man who volunteers as Christ and carries the wooden cross in a hotttt, hottttt summer day. {March, April, May are the summer months in the Philippines}
Be forewarned when you google "stations of the cross and Philippines". You might end up looking at images {parental discretion please} that are quite gruesome.
There are re-enactments of crucifixion in the Philippines {NOT one of my favorites}
2.
Fish Fry
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My husband and I went to Fish Fry Friday night as a date night. This was before kids. We definitely know how to have fun {insert sarcastic grin}.... And support our parish.
3.
Last Supper- Holy Meal during Holy Week
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Another Filipino tradition. During weekdays of Holy week, a family or two is in charge of a meal served after Mass. My grandma made pancit and parishioners and non-parishioners were invited. I remember serving the little kids in our town. I enjoyed it.
4.
Seven last words of Christ
Another tradition from my home parish in the Philippines. From 12p-3p, seven speakers reflect on the seven last words of Christ.
Here are some reflections I found browsing around:
From OSV
From NCR
From Patheos
5.
Best of all: Easter vigil procession
Salubong
Welcome, reception,
Verb: to meet or receive someone who has just come
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Caption:
Filipinos watch a black veil being lifted from a statue of Mother Mary (R) during an Easter Sunday 'Salubong' procession in Manila, Philippines 04 April 2010. Filipino Catholics mark Easter Sunday with the 'Salubong', a re-enactment of the biblical account of the Risen Jesus Christ reuniting with the sorrowful Mother Mary. EPA/ROLEX DELA PENA
Holy Week is definitely growing closer and closer to my heart. I used to associate it with sacrifice, sadness, death. And thats it. I stop there. I never go beyond the fasting. I used to wonder when priests say it's their favorite season ---- over advent! Come on, really?!
Now I get it. And still getting it.
We don't stop at the cross. We don't stop at death.
Lent culminates on Easter Sunday. Our savior died on the cross but on the third day, he defeated death and rose from the dead.
That's the beauty of Lent. So rich and full of meaning. Finding strength and peace in the midst of fasting, abstinence and sacrifice.
Then our Easter Sunday comes. Our reward at the end of the race.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
Have a blessed Holy Week.
Disclaimer:
No link ups this week because of Holy Week. I went ahead and posted one five faves edition this week to share my favorite Lenten traditions.
I love these! I have been finding in other countries it's a big deal to do a walking stations of the cross around town. When I was living in San Antonio, TX they did one where we walked around downtown and each station was linked to a different social justice issue and different churches/groups talked/acted out/reflected on different ones. It was really awesome. We're thinking about doing one around downtown where we live for next Lent.
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