Holy Week, Passover reflections

By Leo Udtohan 

The San Antonio de Padua Chapel in Barangay Tinibgan in Calape, Bohol where it houses the miraculous image of San Anthony  of Padua, patron saint of lost and stolen articles. Photos: Leo Udtohan

The current week is holy to both Jews and Christians—the celebration of Pesach (Passover) for Jews and of Holy Week, the commemoration of Jesus’ death and resurrection, which started today, Palm Sunday.

The Holy Week and Passover would traditionally bring a time of gathering with families, friends, and faith communities.

For Christians, the week allows the faithful to commemorate the events of Jesus’ Passion, to mourn his death on Good Friday, and to celebrate his rising from the dead on Easter Sunday. 

Passover brings Jewish families together to share in the Seder, the ritual dinner that consists of storytelling of their exodus from slavery in Egypt, prayers, and symbolic food items. And appreciate their identity and heritage.

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This week, dust off your Bible and discover the words of the Lord.  There are Bible verses detailing promises and examples of God’s love and protection.

What are your favourite verses? 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. - John 3:16

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.- Jeremiah 29:11

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 4:19

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.- Deuteronomy 31:6

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.- First Peter 5:7

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.- Isaiah 41:10

The Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting … -Psalm 100:5

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. -Nahum 1:7

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. - Psalms 61:3

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.- Lamentations 3:22-23

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.- Proverbs 3:5-6

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.- Jeremiah 17:14

Inside the Saint Vincent Ferrer Church in Calape town, Bohol where it is a popular pilgrimage site. Photo: Leo Udtohan

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The Church said Holy Week was supposed to be a time “to be with God” in silent prayer and reflection.

VRS has picked some places to make your activities meaningful.

There are many old churches for Visita Iglesia. They provide space for meditation and prayer during Holy Week for your spiritual journey.   

You can visit the Saint Vincent Ferrer Church in Calape town. With its Gothic-style façade with sharp arches, spires, crockets, and a pediment with floral window, indeed it is a faith destination. 

In March 2020, the National Museum declared the Church Complex, and the adjoining municipal plaza as a National Cultural Treasurer. 

From the town proper, you can visit San Antonio de Padua Chapel in Barangay Tinibga. It houses the miraculous image of St. Anthony of Padua, one of the Catholic Church’s most popular saints. Saint Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of lost and stolen articles.  If you want to ask the saint, Claudata Astronomo and Billy Urbuda would assist you. 

Virgen sa Kaluoy in Calape is also a popular destination. The image of the Virgin is believed to be growing from an empty giant shell. From a mere obscure figure, the image now is very visible, showing the beautiful virgin with the giant shell in the background.

The shrine of the Madonna of the Miraculous Blessed Virgin Mary in barangay Buenavista in Carmen town was built sometime in the early 1940s. There is a concrete chapel, a spring and a souvenir shop. Spiritual recollection becomes more enhancing on top of this hill where one can look at the wide plains of Carmen and Sierra-Bullones. Don’t forget that it is holy and quiet. Burn a candle and pray.

The Village of the Compassionate God the Father in Barangay Fatima in Inabanga town provides a unique place for quiet, restful, meditative prayer during the remembrance of the final days before Jesus’ death and resurrection. There are life-size structures of the 14 Stations of the Cross with a big figure of the God the Father of All Mankind at the top of the hill. 

Krus Daku and the Statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Loboc  is one of the favorite destinations of the pilgrims during the Holy Week. A huge white cross 80 feet in height is on top of the highest hill. In the next hill, one can visit the giant image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe. Here, one can view the towns of Loay and Loboc.

The Shrine of San Pedro Calungsod in Barangay Malbog, Jagna town, is a popular pilgrimage site. It has a five-foot tall statue of Blessed Pedro Calungsod, the only statue dedicated to Pedro Calungsod in Bohol. Tourists and pilgrims pray before the statue and leave written prayers at the foot of the statue.

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