Pangasinan Lenten Cultural Practices: A Dying Ritual? By ELNORA B. DUDANG . Pangasinan State University Lingayen Campus
[email protected] Introduction ALMOST every town in the Philippines holds unique Holy Week rites, centered on the reenactment of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. Many will observe Good Friday, the most holy day of Holy Week, when Jesus was nailed to the Cross and died on the Golgotha in Mount Calvary in Jerusalem 2000 years ago. The “Moriones”, “Penitencia”, “Cenaculo”, “Visita Iglesia” and the “Pabasa” are Holy Week activities that are held nationwide, although the Moriones Festival is held exclusively in the island province of Marinduque. Embodying the beliefs, traditions and ceremonies of the Roman Catholic Filipinos, they are vital components of our history and culture - especially the history of Catholicism in our country. The month of April marks the celebration of Christ's death and resurrection, what the pious call in the Philippines "Holy Week" or Semana Santa or Cuaresma.. In contrast to other Christian countries, Filipino Catholics give emphasis on the suffering of Christ, rather than on His resurrection, on the belief that salvation comes at the end. Religious piety is passionately displayed in different parts of the Philippines, particularly in the provinces where communities go on pilgrimage to as many churches and devotees re-enacting Christ's ordeal through real-life crucifixion under the scorching heat of the sun. They also celebrate Maundy Thursday, attending church services and watching Passion Plays. In one practice called visita iglesia, Catholics try to visit as many churches as they can. On Good Friday, among believers in certain areas, such as Manila, San Fernando in Pampanga Province, and Antipolo in Rizal Province, They also celebrate Maundy Thursday, attending church services and watching Passion Plays.