MANILA Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Palm Sunday told a large crowd at the Manila Cathedral that he was thankful Holy Week activities could finally be celebrated in person.
Holy Week traditions were sidelined the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and mobility restrictions.
During his homily, Advincula said Catholics should continue to follow to health protocols as they celebrate Holy Week.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa Diyos dahil sa pagtatapos ng dalawang taon na nagkaroon ng hard lockdown sa panahon ng Holy Week,” he said.
“Sa taong to, nandito tayo at nagkakasama. Sigurado ako na miss niyo lahat ang mag Holy Week sa inyong mga parokya kaya sana, habang nag-iingat pa rin, pumunta tayo sa ating mga simabahan, makiisa tayo sa mga gawain, taimtim tayo magdasal at makabuluhang ipagdiwang mga dakilang misteryo ng ating pananampalataya,” he added.
The archbishop also urged Catholics to engage in charity works for the poor.
“We are invited to the timely voices of our brothers and sisters who are in need of our care, support, and love,” Advincula said.
Every Palm Sunday, a second collection is done for the “Alay Kapwa Sunday” program, which funds the Church’s projects for the poor.
To mark the “Alay Kapwa Sunday” this year, a replica of the “Homeless Jesus” was permanently installed on the cathedral’s patio.
Sculpted by Canadian Timothy Schmalz, the statue depicted Jesus wrapped in a blanket, with crucifixion wounds on his bare feet.
“Ang imahe ng homeless Jesus ay nangungusap sa atin, sumisigaw sa atin, na marinig ang tinig ni Hesus at makita siya sa mga kapatid nating walang lugar sa ating lipunan at walang lugar sa ating puso,” Advincula said.
“[T]umugon tayo sa kanya sa pamamagitan ng pag-ibig at malasakit para sa isa’t isa,” he added.
The faithful were also urged to be firm with “welcoming, praising and recognizing” Jesus Christ amid the “mundane hosanna.”
“May God also give us a well-trained and adequately tamed tongue so that we may know how to speak and shout out Jesus to the world,” Advincula said.
During Palm Sunday, two Gospels were proclaimed: The triumphal entry of Jesus to Jerusalem and the Passion of the Lord. Both Gospels came from the gospel according to Matthew. Mariel Celine L. Serquiña
