Holy Week not a Vacation, says Bishop

Holy Week is a time for conversion and not vacation, a bishop said yesterday.

Batanes Bishop Camillo Gregorio said on Church-run Radio Veritas 846 it was the habit of some Catholics to observe Holy Week by going on vacation somewhere, such as the beach in Boracay.

“It’s saddening because Holy Week has become a time for vacation for some people. They forgot that it is a time and opportunity for a deeper conversion. This is also a time where we can be one with God,” he said.

Bishop Gregorio said he is hoping that the faithful will learn the importance of silence in the observance in the coming days from Palm Sunday up to Easter Sunday.

“There is a reason why God taught us how to be silent and that is a very good lesson for all us. Let us be silent so as to deepen our faith and reflection,” he said.

“That is my advice to everyone. Allow the Lord to enter you in the hours of this silence in your hearts,” the bishop added.

Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo echoed Bishop Gregorio’s appeal to the faithful.

“Holy Week is a time when we relive the passion and death of Christ which led to our salvation,” he said in a separate interview with Radio Veritas.

“This week is not for rest and recreation, rather it’s a time for prayer and sacrifice,” added Bishop Bagaforo.