The pealing of Church bells will be heard for the last time today as Christendom plunges into a week of deep mourning to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. However, in this “island paradise” which has become a destination, tourists will start to jamm at the various beach resorts in Panglao and Anda giving a peak by Good Friday.
Today, Palm Sunday, also marks the triumphant entry of Jesus riding on a donkey into Jerusalem as the faithful exultantly wave blessed palm fronds in front of the St. Joseph Cathedral this morning.
The traditional blessing of the palm will highlight all masses today, one of the longest during the Lenten season in all churches in the country.
Bishop Leonardo Y. Medroso will officiate today’s Palm Sunday rites at 9 a.m.
Tomorrow, Holy Monday will start the weeklong activities to commemorate Christ’s crucifixion. Confessions will be held in various churches. At the St. Joseph Cathedral, Holy Hour starts at 1:00pm while a talk by Fr. Jonathan Pacudan is at 2:00pm. The priests will have their Station of the Cross starting at 3 p.m. The Charism Mass will be officiated at 4:00 tomorrow afternoon to be assisted by all priests of the Diocese of Tagbilaran.
The recollection for the clergy and laity will also start tomorrow.
On Wednesday, which is also known as the “Day of Betrayal,” will recall how Judas Escariot plotted to deliver Jesus to the chief priest in consideration of 30 pieces of silver.
On Wednesday afternoon, following the 5:15 p.m. mass for Our Lady of Perpetual Help, will be the procession of images along the streets, depicting Biblical events which led to the crucifixion of Jesus, our Savior.
This is the last ordinary mass during the Holy Week.
MAUNDY THURSDAY
At 4:45 p.m. Bishop Medroso will officiate the Mass of the Last Supper and the Washing of Feet of the Twelve Apostles.
Bishop Medroso and lay ministers will lead in the procession of the Blessed Sacrament inside the Cathedral.
The Last Super will be re-enacted at the Bishop’s Palace by the 12 apostles. Vigil of the Blessed Sacrament will follow in the evening until midnight.
GOOD FRIDAY
Good Friday is the only day of the year when the holy sacrifice of the mass is omitted as church services will focus on the Passion of Our Lord.
There will be an all-morning vigil by different religious organizations which will be followed by a three-hour remote control broadcast of the via Crucis and preaching of the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ by different preachers.
At 3:30 p.m., Bishop Medroso will officiate the Passion of Our Lord, to be followed by the Veneration of the Cross.
The procession of the Holy Tomb will follow.
BLACK SATURDAY
On Black Saturday, the Lenten gloom deepens. On this day, Christians pause to meditate on the sufferings and death of Christ. No mass is celebrated in the morning but there will be a Station of the Cross.
EASTER SUNDAY
At 12 midnight on Saturday is the Mass of the Glorious Resurrection and the traditional “sugat,” which will be officiated with the men and women, starting from different points, converging at the Cathedral.
Meanwhile, starting on Easter Sunday, an English Mass will be added to the almost hourly schedule of masses at the St. Joseph Cathedral. The additional Mass will be officiated at 12 noon, according to Msgr. Jeffrey Malanog, Cathedral parish priest.