I may be non-Catholic, but I did grow up with neighbors who are Catholic and observed how they participate in this Lenten Season. I hear that in Western churches it begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter, and provides for a 40-day fast (Sundays are excluded), in imitation of Jesus Christ's fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.
Lent, or kwaresma in Filipino, is the season during which Filipinos remember Christ's passion, suffering, death, and resurrection. The Philippines is known as the only primarily Christian country in Asia, and its population is made up of a large number of devout Catholics, which is why Lent Season or Holy Week traditions are commonly practiced in a very unique manner. Here in the Philippines, it is known as Mahal na Araw or Semana Santa, and it begins on Palm Sunday and continues through Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and concludes on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday.
Lent is an important religious observance in Christianity because it marks and commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God's Son, our Savior, and Redeemer. It's a good time to think about what it means to be a Christian.
Resources: https://bemyguest.com.sg/p/lenten-season-festivities-in-the-philippines-a-showcase-of-filipino-customs-traditions-and-artistry
https://www.aethelmark.com/blog/e/e3/
https://tinyurl.com/bdzkxdzy https://tinyurl.com/2nakv748 https://www.insightguides.com/inspire-me/blog/visual/lenten-rites-in-pampanga-philippines
Hi there! I appreciate your post about the “Lenten Season Observance”, coz it really makes me aware of the lenten season. Yes, it’s true that lent is a time to correct our bad habits and make ourselves a little bit more in Christ's image, and lent is also a time for sacrifice. During this season, we have the opportunity to sacrifice something that is meaningful to us, and it is really important to celebrate.
ReplyDelete