MANILA — The number of people observing the Lenten tradition “Pabasa ng Pasyon” is decreasing, an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Permanent Committee on Public Affairs (CBCP-PCPA) said.
“There are less people attending ‘Pabasa’ compared to what it was before,” said Fr. Jerome Secillano, CBCP-PCPA executive secretary in an interview Tuesday.
“Perhaps it is due to generation gap and a paradigm shift in the understanding of Holy Week. Today, Holy Week becomes a respite from work and not so much a season for sacred observances,” the Catholic priest added.
Secillano, however, said there is nothing to worry about this trend.
“No, we should not be worried. That day will come when we will all realize our need for God,” he said.
Pabasa is a Holy Week tradition in the country that involves chanting of the narrative of the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Be brave in confessing sins
Meanwhile, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo reminded the faithful not to be shy in confessing all their sins.
“Just like when you committed sins against God, all your sins towards your fellowmen, you have to admit them. Repent on them. One should not be keep or hide their sins, it is good to let it all out,” he said.
The Catholic prelate warned that repenting must be followed by a firm stand not to commit sins again.
“Repenting should not only be lip service, it’s a true conviction that one is letting go of wrongdoings,” Pabillo added. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
