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How Your Family Can Spend Holy Week at Home
While we can once again participate in processions, Visita Iglesia, and other Holy Week activities, spending Holy Week at home can continue to be as solemn and meaningful as it has been during the pandemic.
Below are some ways to keep the traditions alive and make your Holy Week celebration meaningful, whether you choose to attend public gatherings or observe from the comfort of your home.
When is Holy Week 2024 in the Philippines?
March 28, 2024 |
Maundy Thursday |
March 29, 2024 |
Good Friday |
March 30, 2024 |
Black Saturday |
March 31, 2024 |
Easter Sunday |
How Can You Celebrate Holy Week at Home?
• Put on Holy Week titles on screen.
If you have a Netflix subscription, you can spend this week by putting your "Continue Watching" titles on hold and opting for movies that feature religious and biblical themes for your movie night.
Some of the faith-based titles you can watch on Netflix are The Two Popes (2019), Paul, Apostle of Christ (2018), The Dreamseller (2016), 90 Minutes in Heaven (2015), and Heaven is for Real (2014).
You can subscribe to Netflix without a credit card if you don’t have an account yet.
• Have an Easter Sunday feast.
Since this is a time to reflect on one's spiritual health, Roman Catholics are encouraged to refrain from eating any type of meat (i.e. pork, chicken, beef, etc.) on Fridays and the entirety of Holy Week to honor the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. Instead, you can eat vegetables and various types of seafood.
Here are some Filipino dishes you can consume during this time: Ginisang Ampalaya (optional: with egg), Ginataang Tilapia, Fried Tilapia with Talong, Monggo Guisado with Tinapa.
• Enjoy an easter egg scavenger hunt.
For your Easter celebration, you can do the classic Easter egg hunt indoors or around your garden for the little ones and the young at heart. You can use either real eggs dyed in vibrant colors or plastic eggs filled with candy or knick-knacks (or a mix of both) for the event. Ideally, set aside about 10 eggs for each person.
Hide the eggs in and around the house, some in more obvious locations and others in challenging spots that still make sense for kids. Don't forget to offer exciting Easter prizes and remind the children why the Easter egg hunt is a tradition for a memorable commemoration of Jesus' resurrection.
• Watch a live stream of the church service.
Thanks to the digital era, many parish priests and churches have started live-streaming their daily and Sunday masses online. While it's still different from worshipping God and publicly praying at a church, it's a safe way to be united in spiritual communion.
Take note of the time of the online live streams of the Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday masses of your local church or parish priest. As an alternative to church communion, you can take unleavened bread and grape juice.
• Hold a virtual Visita Iglesia.
One of the creative ideas for Maundy Thursday that will allow you to practice your faith at home and continue your custom of visiting seven churches is by using Google Maps. You can view the streets and images of the church or marvel at the 360-degree views inside them, including the following:
• Meditate and Reflect on Notable Bible Passages
Are you wondering how to celebrate Good Friday? Good Friday is traditionally spent to reflect. With many Roman Catholics participating in processions during this day, you can take time to meditate at home and solemnly honor how Jesus suffered for your sins.
Put your screen down for a while and try to read and reflect on notable passages in the Bible. You can also try meditation apps to help you find calmness, wellness and balance in your life.
Observe the Sacred Days at Home with Unshaken Faith
As we spend these holy days at home, let's focus on safety and reflection. Take this time to deepen your spirituality and faith through moments of quiet contemplation and prayer. May this Holy Week at home with your family be a meaningful chance to pause, reflect, and strengthen your spiritual journey.