Malacañang on Black Saturday called on Filipinos to contemplate and reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The Presidential Communications Office made the call to “contemplate and feel the blessing of life” from Almighty God as the predominantly Catholic country commemorated the Passion of Christ and his crucifixion on Good Friday.
“This Holy Saturday, we reflect on the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ for the world as the only Son who will save the universe,” the PCO said in a Facebook post.
“This is also a day of giving hope to each one of us despite the challenges of life,” it added.
Holy Week, also called “Semana Santa” in the Philippines, is a significant religious observance for the country’s Roman Catholic majority and Protestant churches.
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula reminded the faithful to make sacrifices and to love one another.
“As a community, we are called to respond to God’s immense love, to respond with gratitude and humility. We must recognize that we are unworthy of such a great gift, and yet God still chooses to give it to us,” Advincula said.
Easter Sunday is an auspicious and joyful day that emanates from overcoming uncertainties as symbolized by the Passion of Christ.
“We must also remember that we are called to love one another as Jesus loved us. This means that we must be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others, just as Jesus did for us,” he added.
At Quiapo Church, rector Father Rufino Sescon Jr. explained that the cross, while a brutal instrument of penance, has become a wellspring of love for the world through Jesus’s sacrifice.
“We are honoring the cross because it has been changed by Jesus of Nazareth. The cross frightened the world. It was used to put people to shame and to preserve the powers of the world, but the message of the cross has been changed by God,” he said.
Meanwhile, Defense Chief Carlito Galvez Jr. joined the Christian community in the observance of Easter Sunday, marking the end of the Holy Week this year.
“May the miracle of the Resurrection of Christ inspire us to triumph over adversities and become beacons of hope in our communities,” Galvez said in his message.
Galvez described Easter Sunday as an “auspicious and joyful day” that emanates from overcoming uncertainties and hardships, as symbolized by the Passion of Jesus.
“It is my fervent hope that this solemn period allows us to rejuvenate our faith, manifest temperance, and rekindle love in our hearts,” Galvez said. “A blessed and meaningful Easter Sunday to all!”