First National Convention for Church Heritage, Bohol.
From 1 to 5 February, bishops, priests, church workers, and other concerned lay persons joined the First National Convention for Church Cultural Heritage Workers. Sponsored by CBCP and the NCCA, the workshop addressed the pressing problem of conserving the rich cultural heritage found in Philippine churches. Churches were not only places of worship but for many centuries were the repository of town history and culture. Abp. Franceso Marchisano, President of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Goods of the Church attended the convention. He brought a special word of greeting to the delegates from Pope John Paul II.
Chapel of the Holy Sacrifice, University of the Philippines.
On 12 January, the Catholic community of the University of the Philippines, gathered to celebrate the death anniversary of Fr. John Delaney, S.J. Fr. Delaney, a celebrated and charismatic chaplain at the University of the Philippines, was the spirit behind the construction of the modern and forward-looking chapel in UP. The chapel stands on land leased from UP. The event became an occasion to work for an extension on the lease.
The church was designed by Leandro Locsin; the altar and crucifix sculpted by Napoleon Abueva; the floor mosaic, designed by Arturo Luz, and the Stations of the Cross by Vicente Manansala. In no other modern church in the Philippines are so much works by National Artists displayed.
Holy Week 1999
Hot! Hot! Hot!
The hot months of Summer will soon be upon us unless La Niña plays her tricks.
The traditional season for vacation, summer opens with Semana Santa (Holy Week), a set of movable feasts determined by Easter Sunday, set nearest the Spring full moon. This year Semana Santa will begin on 28 March and end with Easter Sunday 4 April. If you are planning to tour the heritage sites of Laguna, make it a pilgrimage and join in the celebrations. Be prepared for large crowds and traffic.
Below is a list of places in Rizal and Eastern Laguna where the folk celebrations are worth joining. Time indications are general, best to call the parish office to check on schedules which may change without notice.
Palm Sunday Blessing of Palms and Procession Holy Monday Pabasa: A versified story of the Passion of Jesus Christ is chanted in homes, chapels and way side structures called kubol. Holy Tuesday Pabasa Holy Wednesday Pagsusuob ng Poon: The image of the dead Christ is bathed and smoked before being clothed for the Good Friday procession. Holy Thursday Mass and Procession of the Blessed Sacrament Good Friday Cainta, Rizal Kalayaan, Laguna Pakil, Laguna Paete, Laguna Sinakulo: Passion play. The play is performed every night but on Good Friday becomes a street presentation. Morning Patinggulong: A form of bodily penance where penitents roll on the hot ground. Late afternoon to early evening Good Friday procession: Low-key and reverent. Procession stops at specified stations for prayer. Good Friday procession: Showcase of the wood carvers’ art. The wood carving town of Laguna uses wood images that move. Holy Saturday Easter Vigil: Dark interior of the late 17th century church enhances the celebration of light. Easter Sunday Salubong: At the crack of dawn, a procession depicting the meeting of the Risen Christ and Mary.
Date
Place
Folk Celebration
28 March
Pakil, Laguna
Morning
29 March
All over Rizal and Laguna
Whole Day
30 March
All over Rizal and Laguna
Whole Day
31 March
Paete, Laguna
Morning
1 April
All Churches in Rizal and Laguna
Around 6:00 P.M.
2 April
Whole Day
3 April
Baras, Rizal
Around 11:00 P.M.
4 March
Angono, Rizal
4:00 A.M.
FEATURE ARTICLE
The Islands to the West: How are Philippine towns named?
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The Islands to the West: How are Philippine towns named?
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