Priest to Filipinos: Holy Week is for reflection, not recreation

MANILA, Philippines - A Catholic priest on Friday urged Filipinos to spend the Holy Week break on self-reflection instead of going to the beaches.

In a tv interview, former Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said the church enjoins the faithful to do some self-reflection, confess their sins and receive communion during the 40 days of Lent, beginning Ash Wednesday to Black Saturday.

"Counting from Ash Wednesday to  Holy Saturday, ang gusto ng simbahan is for us to re-engage in self-examination, the examination of our conscience. Kung minsan ang pagsisisi doon lang sa mga masasama nating nagawa. Iyong mabuting hindi natin nagawa dapat din nating pagsisihan kasi madami iyan," said Cruz.

As for Filipinos who flock to resorts and other rest and recreation establishments, Cruz said it would still be better if Church members refrain from doing so during the Holy Week break.

"We have the whole year from January to December to go everywhere to rest. Huwag naman sanang isadya iyon sa Kuwaresma.  I understand that they put up a chapel in one of those famous beaches. Ok din naman na [mag-bonding tayo kasama ang pamilya], but let's be frank about it, kapag nandoon ka na, mas madaling magpunta sa beach kaysa sa  simbahan," Cruz added.

On the other hand, the priest discouraged Catholic followers from mutilating and crucify themselves to signify penitence.

"It's sad dahil sa dinanas na ni Kristo para sa atin iyan. Some people even take advantage of this and they make money out of it," Cruz added.