Every 25 years, the Catholic Church annually celebrates the Jubilee Year. This year, the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ aligns with the Catholic Church’s 40-day preparation for the Holy Week, or what they call the ‘Lenten Season.’ According to the Gospels of the Evangelists Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John,  Jesus spent time fasting in the desert and endured the temptation of the devil before beginning his public ministry.

The typical celebration of Lent occurs within at least 40 days, beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending with Maundy Thursday (the Lord’s Last Supper). The Lenten Season culminates in the last three days of Christ before His crucifixion, starting with Maundy Thursday. These days are marked by significant religious events and rituals. 

Filipinos celebrate the Holy Week traditions, wherein the local culture and the religious traditions are a strong display of Catholic faith within the whole country. It is mainly connected to four characteristics: penance, reflection, sacrifice, and faith. Moreover, the Filipinos have expressed their faith through observing it unites the community, and spiritual renewal takes place throughout the week. Filipinos often regarded Holy Week as the most solemn week, commemorating the life, death, and passion of Christ. During these weeks, the faithful await and anticipate the hope of resurrection, the risen Christ.

However, Holy Week is the most important week in Catholicism, wherein it celebrates the Paschal Mystery of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is one of the core doctrines of the Catholic Church. Not only is Holy Week a widely observed religious gathering in the sense that it fosters a sense of uniting the community’s flock, but during these holy days, individuals also engage in personal sacrifices such as fasting or abstaining from food. Within these days, the Church has now become the center of all religious activities, from saying masses and processions to exhibits and chanting of the Lord’s passion. It is a testament to the commemoration of Christ’s death and resurrection. 

Holy Week is a celebration of the triumphant victory of Christ, and it is also the time when we renew and meditate through visiting churches and praying in the Stations of the Cross. His Holiness, the Pope,   emphasized in his recent message, “Let us journey together in hope.” We are called to examine our lives, even our families. The Pilgrims of Hope is a testimony of God’s everlasting compassion and mercy. It is a time when we reflect on our past decisions and seek God’s eternal love for us.