Beginning seven days before Palm Sunday, Holy Week is observed. It ends on Holy Saturday. Easter is the beginning of the Easter season, not part of Holy Week.
Today is the day that Jesus Christ comes to the city of Jerusalem on a donkey. On that day, the leaders flocked to Him, a sign of victory We honor this in the church by distributing palm branches to the believers as spiritual symbols.
At Church, palm branches are often transformed into crosses eventually, the church returns these palms to use. Traditionally, their remains are interred on Ash Wednesday.
Because of this, Holy Week must be a very special time for us. These are the days leading up to the joyful Easter holiday celebration. During the Lenten season, which ends this week, we must stick to the custom of giving up items for Lent, and not spare money, and this week is vital for all Christians.
The focus of the week is on the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus.
Holy Week during ECQ
In the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna, and Rizal are placed under ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) which led to a stricter protocol, no individual shall be permitted to go out under 18 and over 65 years of age.
Catholics observe the ritual of going to the Church and attend the services during Holy Week, and this week it is in full swing. However, it is against the rules due to the rise in incidents above.”
Here are some of the Metro Manila Churches you may view during the Lent Mass:
San Sebastian Church: https://bit.ly/3d5T0gE
Our Lady of Remedies Parish (Malate Catholic Church): https://bit.ly/2PIEEe2
Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: https://bit.ly/3dpORo5
Santuario del Santo Cristo Parish: https://bit.ly/3sCoWjh
Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life: https://bit.ly/39vEy0n
Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church: https://bit.ly/3u39n4g
Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz – Binondo Church: https://bit.ly/3u5QYUE
San Isidro Labrador Parish, Almanza Las Pinas: https://bit.ly/3u9vzd4
Mary Immaculate Parish Nature’s Church, Las Pinas: https://bit.ly/3u93oet
Quiapo Church: https://bit.ly/3dqRTIK
Birhen ng Antipolo – Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage: https://bit.ly/3m9PN3U
National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe: https://bit.ly/3wbitOl
If you have other lists of churches who offers online mass, please comment and we’d love to share this and update our list.
