There is no denying that the Ilonggos’ devotion to their Catholic faith becomes more pronounced during the Holy Week. While others prefer to simply stay at home and listen to the broadcast of the Seven Last Words on TV or radio, others prefer to display their faith by taking part in processions or visit pilgrimage sites. However, with the threat of Covid-19 and the lockdown imposed by the city and province of Iloilo, many Ilonggo faithfuls will have to observe the Holy Week in a far different manner than what they have been accustomed to.
Among the many things that Ilonggos can take pride in is the abundance of century-old churches in the city and province of Iloilo. While these structures attract tourists because of their classic architecture and historical significance, they are also a reflection of the Ilonggos’ profound Christian faith. And, more than at any time of the year, this faith is magnified during the Lenten season, specifically during the Holy Week.
Just like other Catholics (and other Christian denominations) around the country and all over the world, Ilonggos become extra-spiritual and religious during the Holy Week. Although the Lenten Season officially starts on Ash Wednesday, it is not until Palm Sunday when the display of religiosity becomes intense.
On Palm Sunday, many Ilonggos take part in the blessing of the palm tree fronds at their respective churches. They then form those leaves into a shape of a cross and hang them on their doors or windows, believing that they could help in warding off evil spirits.
Anytime between Holy Monday and Black Saturday, Ilonggo Catholics also visit known pilgrimage sites such as the Balaan Bukid in Guimaras, Garin Farm in San Joaquin, and/or the Agony Hills in Alimodian to name a few. As those mentioned have Stations of the Cross, which represent the path Jesus bore on his way to the crucifixion, many say a prayer in these places as they reflect on the sufferings of Christ.
Visita Iglesia is also a common Ilonggo Holy Week tradition, a practice of visiting 7 churches in a single day. Although many do so to show their devotion, some believe completing the visit of the 7 churches can fulfill their wish.
There is no denying though, that the Good Friday procession is the most popular Holy Week tradition for the Ilonggos. Many believe that, by taking part in the procession, they also sacrifice because of the distance that they walk. However, apart from the sacrifice, the Good Friday procession is also an opportunity to marvel at the elaborately decorated religious floats (karo) carrying the life-sized statues of the characters associated with the Passion of Christ. In Iloilo City, the districts of Jaro and Molo have earned the distinction of having the most grandiose Good Friday processions because, apart from the intricately decorated and well-lighted floats, many of the paraded life-sized statues are family heirlooms that have been handed down from one generation to another.
Beyond the shadow of doubt, Ilonggos (and Filipinos on the whole) become a lot more religious and spiritual during the Holy Week. With the social distancing, lockdown, and stay-at-home policy during this time of Covid-19, it goes without saying, though, that Holy Week traditions that gather big crowds are out of the question this year. Since Holy Week is only observed once a year, many of those who have looked forward to this season are saddened and, perhaps, disappointed. However, as the threat of Covid-19 is real, it is but sensible to cancel all these traditions for now.
Holy Week is a moment of reflection on the passion of Christ, how God’s only begotten son became incarnate and offered himself as a sacrifice so that humanity can be saved. More than the usual Holy Week sacrifices that Filipinos observe, the best sacrifice that we can offer at this time of a pandemic is to stay home. This seems nothing as compared to what Jesus was put through in the Calvary, but, this act, too, can save lives.
And, unlike Jesus who washed the feet of his disciples, all we are asked to do is wash our own hands to ensure they are clean and corona virus-free. After all, cleanliness is next to godliness, they say.