I love how Holy Week does wonders to rekindle ones faith. I say this because I know it does exactly that for me. It has a similar effect as Christmas. During Christmas and Easter, I honestly feel a bit more spiritual, a little holier, a tad more, uhhmmmm, Catholic. I think there's something about the atmosphere that makes one "feel the Spirit," pun intended. That early morning chill of misa de gallo and the clear skies of Easter weekend—they all make me feel good and revived.
You see, I honestly wish I were a more devout Catholic. I know, I know...it's a matter of choice. But, I won't deny that it isn't always as easy as I would hope. I love my relationship with God, but like any relationship, I know there's always room for improvement. Now, let me stop myself before I get all rhetoric and preachy.
The Blockbuster
For this year's Holy Week, my family went to Subic for some QT. We've done so during many Easter holidays in the past. We spend days sleeping in, cooking, bonding, soaking in the summer, and dropping in at the local chapel for the Easter services.
Now, this is where it got exciting. I love how the San Roque chapel upped the ante this year. The reenactment of the passion of Christ on Good Friday had a cast of awesome voices. The narration was done by a lector who had the voice of a radio commentator, Pilate was played by a volunteer who seemed to be gunning for a Famas, and the choir played the jeering crowd with enthusiasm. Everyone was in character—feel na feel! When I closed my eyes during the reading, I felt like I was right there in the middle of all the action. The reading closed when the priest invited the congregation to kneel in prayer while watching a clip similar to this:
You see, I honestly wish I were a more devout Catholic. I know, I know...it's a matter of choice. But, I won't deny that it isn't always as easy as I would hope. I love my relationship with God, but like any relationship, I know there's always room for improvement. Now, let me stop myself before I get all rhetoric and preachy.
The Blockbuster
For this year's Holy Week, my family went to Subic for some QT. We've done so during many Easter holidays in the past. We spend days sleeping in, cooking, bonding, soaking in the summer, and dropping in at the local chapel for the Easter services.
Now, this is where it got exciting. I love how the San Roque chapel upped the ante this year. The reenactment of the passion of Christ on Good Friday had a cast of awesome voices. The narration was done by a lector who had the voice of a radio commentator, Pilate was played by a volunteer who seemed to be gunning for a Famas, and the choir played the jeering crowd with enthusiasm. Everyone was in character—feel na feel! When I closed my eyes during the reading, I felt like I was right there in the middle of all the action. The reading closed when the priest invited the congregation to kneel in prayer while watching a clip similar to this:
The Checklist
After the Good Friday services, they announced that people could go for confession. While I don't agree with the manner by which they announced it ("Just check your sins..."), I must commend that they went out of their way to get everyone to participate. They gave out a spiritual mirror list. It acted like a guide to call to mind ones sins. For those who've forgotten the ritual, the checklist made it easy, indeed. While it wasn't supposed to belittle the service or simplify the ritual, it made the introspection a little easier. Okay, tinamaan ako with some points on the checklist—and no, not the last one on the list. Check it out below:
After the Good Friday services, they announced that people could go for confession. While I don't agree with the manner by which they announced it ("Just check your sins..."), I must commend that they went out of their way to get everyone to participate. They gave out a spiritual mirror list. It acted like a guide to call to mind ones sins. For those who've forgotten the ritual, the checklist made it easy, indeed. While it wasn't supposed to belittle the service or simplify the ritual, it made the introspection a little easier. Okay, tinamaan ako with some points on the checklist—and no, not the last one on the list. Check it out below:
The Altar
The next day, during Easter vigil mass, the San Roque chapel lived up to its cinematic Easter approach. The altar was dressed up like a makeshift cave. During the reading, when Christ was proclaimed risen, the "boulder" dramatically moved to reveal the statue of the risen Lord. The revelation came complete with sound effects and flashes of light. It was surprising, exciting, engaging.
The next day, during Easter vigil mass, the San Roque chapel lived up to its cinematic Easter approach. The altar was dressed up like a makeshift cave. During the reading, when Christ was proclaimed risen, the "boulder" dramatically moved to reveal the statue of the risen Lord. The revelation came complete with sound effects and flashes of light. It was surprising, exciting, engaging.
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Sure, these methods are unconventional, but who said we live in conventional times? At a time when movies are three-dimensional and popularity is based on likes and hash tags, what harm will it do to shake things up, right? Besides, if Easter is celebrated to renew the faith and recount The Greatest Story Ever Told, then I must say, the San Roque chapel did its part. This story is, after all, our faith's blockbuster. *Standing Ovation*
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