Holy Week

As a kid I grew up thinking of Holy Week as one big fiesta, when the extended family would gather, spend days at the beach, and eat fresh seafood like there was no tomorrow. Even processions in my dad’s native Bicol were seen as a source of enchantment and unconventional play, as my brothers and I would take turns scaring each other with the masked flagellants going about their panata (vow of suffering / sacrifice).

Holy Week is now less than a month away, and this year, the family’s decided to stay put in Manila, where surprisingly, the week is observed with more solemnity. Below are some activities lined up by the Jesuits:

Life’s Directions Weekend 65
Friday-Sunday, March 24-26
A 3-day live-in interactive retreat for single young professionals (21-39 years old)
The Karis Retreat House, Iruhin, Tagaytay City
Organized by the Center for Family Ministries (CEFAM)

Four Holy Week retreats from the Christian Life Community Formation Institute
Three days, four days and eight days beginning April 8, 12 and 13
Mirador Jesuit Villa, Baguio City and Horacio de la Costa Formation Center, Trece Martires City, Cavite

Alumni Holy Week Triduum Retreat
Thursday-Saturday, April 13-15
Escaler Hall, Science Education Complex (SEC), Loyola Heights Campus
Reservation required.

Holy Week Triduum Recollection & Services at the Ateneo Professional Schools
Thursday-Saturday, April 13-15
Chapel of St. Thomas More, Ateneo de Manila Professional Schools, Rockwell Campus

Holy Week Triduum Recollection at the Loyola School of Theology
Thursday-Saturday, April 13-15, 8:30am-12:00noon