Holy Week reminderand Live piety not ‘pamahiin’

MANILA – Even after almost 500 years of evangelization, it is still typical for Filipinos to believe in superstitions, and Holy Week is one of those occasions in which many fall for a number of pamahiin. Don’t take a bath , Don’t smile or laugh , Jump high on Easter Sunday are only few examples.Because of this, a priest reminded Filipinos to practice true piety and not fall for old wives’ tales . In Holy Week, the Church commemorates the summit of Our Lord’s love for the entire humanity, a love willing to suffer unto ‘death on the Cross’ to save us from our sins, and a love which knows no end, conquering death itself with His Resurrection, affirmed Fr. Rolando Arjonillo. 9 practical ‘tips’ for Holy Week The Filipino priest, as the administrator of the Catholics Striving for Holiness website and Facebook page, which were set up to foster Catholic faith and life, suggested the following practical tips for the faithful to live these holy daysand Be in a state of grace (without mortal sin). If not, I encourage you to receive God’s love, mercy and forgiveness in the sacrament of Confession, said the priest. Say many acts of thanksgiving to Jesus for His love and self-giving, dying on the Cross, in order to save us. Accompany Jesus closely during these days through generous prayer and sacrifice in atonement of our sins and that of the whole world, meditating on the Gospel passages which narrate His passion and death to realize how much He loves you Attend the Holy Week services on Holy Thursday and Good Friday and of course, attend Mass on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. Visit the Eucharistic Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament on Holy Thursday in different churches, the so-called ‘Visita Iglesia’. Struggle to live a holy life, avoiding sins which are the cause of Christ’s passion and death and practicing the virtues. Say many acts of love, of contrition, atonement, and reparation for our sins and those of the entire humanity. Perform works of mercy with the people around us, especially with those who are in need. If you’re going to participate in a procession, offer up your tiredness for the entire Church, the conversion of sinners, in reparation for sins, for those who are suffering, etc. Also offer up small daily sacrifices for the same intentions. These tips are very much compatible with the much needed vacation and rest during this Holy Week, which are alright, as long as we do not forget the real significance of the week-long observance, the priest added.CBCPNews