Katekismo Corner: No. 17: On Penitential Devotions

On Penitential Devotions

As the Season of Lent is drawing to a close, we reflect on how to appropriately conclude our journey of repentance and conversion, of turning away from sin. We have customs and practices that we  need to review so that we can do these penitential devotions knowingly and properly. On account of the Covid Restrictions, we can observe them in the safety of our homes assured that we are not alone but praying with the whole Church with families in different parts of the world.

Pasion: Also known as “Pabasa” in Bicol, Pasion is the chanting of the history of salvation arranged in verses, from Creation until the Final Judgement. The emphasis is on the Passion and Death of Jesus, thus the title. But it also includes Dogmas of Faith on Mary, the Mother of God and Mother of us all: her Death, Assumption and Coronation as Queen of Heaven and Earth by the Most Holy Trinity.

It is best that during the “Pabasa”, the Family is gathered with the “cantoras” before an altar in their home. This practice is a good moment for penitence because it would take long hours to finish. The Family must keep vigil instead of leaving the “cantoras” alone while busying themselves eating and drinking. Not a time for indulging nor gratifying oneself, but for catechesis, prayer and sacrifice should the “Pabasa” be.

Cenaculo: From the Latin “Coena” (Spanish “Cena”) that means supper and  “coenaculum” meaning the room where Jesus and his Apostles had the Last Supper, Cenaculo is the reenactment of the Last Supper. It could also be a Play or Drama reenacting the whole Passion of Jesus from the Last Supper to the Crucifixion.

Usually done on Holy Thursday, the Family gathers before an evening meal for the Cenaculo to commemorate how Jesus and his Apostles observed the Passover Feast and gave new meaning to it by the institution of the Eucharist when Jesus offered his body and blood for our salvation. It is an oppurtune time for the Father or Elder of the Family to explain to Children what happened during the Last Supper.

Visita Altares: 14 Altars corresponding to the 14 Stations of the Cross are prepared along the streets where families or groups can pray the Via Crucis. On Holy Wednesday and Good Friday, the Minister of Procession pauses at every Altar for prayers. On Holy Thursday, Altars of Repose in different Churches can also be visited which is called Visita Iglesia: Seven Churches are visited where 2 Stations of the Cross are prayed. Due to pandemic restrictions, the 14 altars (pictures) can be set up at home if there is space; otherwise the Family can simply pray the Stations of the Cross together in front of their home altar.

Prusisyon kan mga Pasos, Santo Entierro (Hinulid) asin Soledad:  Statues of Saints and Events depicting the Last Moments of Jesus are put up in beautiful caros and brought in a procession on Holy Wednesday and Good Friday. After the Liturgy of the Passion, a procession is held where the Santo Entierro is the centerpiece. Later in the night, another procession is held with only John the Evangelist, Tres Marias and the Sorrowful Mother in Solitude (Soledad). In all these processions, we remember they are not for pageantry, pomp nor show lest we forget their penitential character that should lead us to a prayerful reflection on the Passion and Death of Jesus. 

Hand Stock photos by Vecteezy