The Department of Tourism (DOT) encouraged the traveling public to discover the Philippines on a deeper level during this Holy Week by experiencing the country’s rich Lenten traditions.
In her Lenten message on Wednesday, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco extended her wish of “peace, reflection, and spiritual renewal” for Filipinos and visitors across the country.
She said Holy Week is a profound time where faith gathers families and people to churches and pilgrimage sites across the country, a reflection of the Filipinos’ “deeply rooted spirituality and vibrant cultural expressions.”
“We encourage both our local and international travelers to immerse themselves in the richness of our Lenten traditions – from Visita Iglesia, Pabasa, and Senakulo, to the quiet solemnity of our centuries-old churches and the beauty of our countryside during this time of prayer and contemplation,” she said.
“Let us embrace this opportunity not only for rest and spiritual reflection, but also to appreciate the heritage, artistry, and hospitality of the communities we visit.”
Meanwhile, she reminded all travelers to practice responsible tourism, show respect for local customs, and support local businesses and workers.
This year’s Holy Week began on April 13 (Palm Sunday) and will end on April 20 (Easter Sunday).
The DOT projects more than 30 million domestic and international travelers during the Holy Week break as tourists head to popular destinations across the country.
Earlier, it activated its regional operations centers to coordinate and monitor high-traffic tourism areas to ensure proper coordination and oversight of the tourism destinations.
Papal Nuncio’s invite
The Vatican’s representative to the Philippines also urged the faithful to participate in activities during Holy Week.
Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown said it is important to participate in spiritual activities, especially during Easter, the highlight of the Christian faith which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“I encourage all listeners, the people of God to really participate in Holy Week in a very sincere way; I know God has graces to give you; if you participate in a sincere and enthusiastic way on the liturgies you will emerge changed,” he said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.
The archbishop added that Holy Week should be used as an opportunity to reflect and examine one’s relationship with the Lord.
Brown also asked the people to participate in activities on Maundy Thursday, such as the Chrism Mass where the oils used in the church’s sacraments will be blessed.
There would also be the Mass of the Last Supper where the rite of foot washing will be performed by 12 individual representatives from various sectors followed by the presentation of the Blessed Sacrament on the altar of repose of the churches while the public conducts a Church Visit (Visita Iglesia).
On Good Friday, churches will commemorate the Seven Last Words and the celebration of the Passion of the Lord while on Black Saturday evening, the churches will feature the All-Night Celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord where the rite of blessing the fire, holy water and the renewal of the promise of baptism will be performed.
“It’s really important to participate and to understand what we are doing because this is the moment in which we celebrate the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord,” he added.
Meanwhile, Radio Veritas reported that it is presenting special programming this week featuring various interviews with priests and bishops that will help the people reflect and better understand the teachings of the church regarding the special days of Christians.
Among those who will give interviews are Caloocan Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, Bishop Broderick Pabillo and others. (PNA)
