Holy Saturday

MANILA, Philippines – Easter is near.

On Holy Saturday, April 7, Christians anticipate the central feast of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection the next day. Rappler highlights this with the theme of joy on Holy Week Online.

“Bumababa ka, Poon, sa tahanang laan sa ‘Yong kaluwalhatian (Descend, O Lord, on the dwelling meant for Your glory),” goes the MTV “Pagbabasbas,” performed by Blue Ketchup, which sets the mood for the day’s Holy Week package.

Fr Nono Alfonso, SJ, executive director of Jesuit Communications Foundation Inc, reflects on the anticipation relayed by the song in the context of fear. “Whatever our brand of fear may be, it is our fears that prevent us from fully enjoying life. It is fear that holds us back from realizing our full potential,” Alfonso writes.

“Why continue in fear of what is to come when there is Someone who loves us perfectly? Christ’s apostles learned this in the Resurrection when love has conquered man’s greatest fear – death,” he says. “Christ lives!”

The website Daily Om, for its part, reminds us of another source of joy – grace. “Grace is always with us,” says a reflection on the website whose inspirational pieces appear on Rappler this Holy Week.

“It flows like a river through our lives, artfully reminding us that there is magic and power beyond what our eyes can see.”

The Holy Saturday liturgy also highlights joy the night befor Easter. Rappler carries the livestream of the Easter Vigil liturgy at 9 pm.

Meanwhile, a virtual Stations of the Cross remains accessible for those who want to continue reflecting on Jesus Christ’s passion and death. Our virtual Visita Iglesia includes a tour to the following churches: 

• San Carlos Borromeo Church, Mahatao, Batanes

• Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Baclayon, Bohol

• Santa Monica Church, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte

• Santa Maria Church, Ilocos Sur

• Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Maragondon, Cavite

• St Catherine Church, Carcar, Cebu

• Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, Barasoain, Malolos, Bulacan

• Immaculate Conception Church, Balayan, Batangas

• St Michael the Archangel Church, Tayabas, Quezon

• San Isidro Labrador Church, Lazi, Siquijor

• San Ildefonso Church, Tanay, Rizal

• San Juan Bautista Church, Tabaco, Albay

• San Pedro de Alcantara Church, Pakil, Laguna

• St Anne’s Church, Molo, Iloilo

Readings by Paterno Esmaquel II are accompanied by music from the Jesuit Music Ministry’s Vespers album series. Others less inclined may just wish to explore the interiors of 14 churches, photos of which were taken by Fung Yu. Another option is to dwell on the stained glass images taken by Hubert Pacheco while listening to the music or the readings.

On Holy Saturday, begin the joy of Easter on Rappler. – Rappler.com