Lent is celebrated every summer. It is either last week of March of first week of April. It really started from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday to complete the 40 day period of penitence and fasting observance by many churches. Ash Wednesday celebration is when a person committed himself not to eat meat during the next Tuesdays and Fridays during Holy Week. The ceremonial act is to make a sign of a cross on everyone’s forehead by the priest, layman minister, and whoever available. They use ashes and oil. They make this ceremonial act after a regular type of mass. This also means that from “Dust to Dust” we become.
A one week celebration of what we call a Holy Week is also practice during the forty-days. By Sunday, we call it “The Palm Sunday”. The believer will bring with him palm leaves or coconut leaves. The best to choose are the young ones. It maybe transformed into cross or any artistic design, or just leave it as what it is. This is to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem and welcome Him by waving palms. By Thursday, we call it Maundy Thursday. The believer of Christ should not work for they might encounter crucial accidents. One may just pray with the family or see some movies about the celebration or hear dramas related to the celebration. During Friday, is what we call Holy Friday. One may have a whole day fasting or just eat light meals. Others may volunteer to be nailed on the cross because they believe that it will lessen their sins. Other may hire some men to slash him during the processions. Before a procession, a reading of the “Siete Palabras” or the Seven Last Words is done. On Friday night, vigil is done in the church. On Sunday dawn, a meeting of the Virgin Mary’s image and Jesus Christ is done as a commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ. Most of the Christians go on picnics by Sunday. Others even give gifts to others for being grateful that Jesus Christ was resurrection. This Lent Celebration is done solemnly since it commemorates the last days of Jesus Christ here on earth.
But sad to say, there are also Christians that didn’t take this celebration seriously. They tend to go on vacation during Lenten Season.
How will you celebrate Lenten Season if you are to choose?
Sheila Viajante
Philipines
sheila@easygolife.biz
www.easygolife.biz
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Philippines is noted for its excellent beaches, hospitality and tasty food.
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