The Easter Triduum is very meaningful to me as I really want to be in the church during this time. It helps me renew my faith and I believe this is the highlight of God’s love that by his death and resurrection I am saved. But because of today’s health crisis and the advice of the Church against gatherings we must cooperate to prevent cross-infection. The Easter Triduum will be different now but thank God for the new technology we can still watch the celebrations online. Yes we need to remain focused and strong in our faith even though we are not physically present inside the church. Devotional prayer or the Way of the Cross can be done individually if not allowed to be done within the community. My faith is already deeper and matured in the pandemic. What we have now is a challenge for me to be more faithful and trust God that one day everything will be back to normal.
— Jocelyn Almendral
Serving at St. Vincent’s Church for many years, I always look forward to helping out in the different services from Lenten season, Holy Week to Easter. But with the suspension of all Church activities, I felt a bit sad because I miss the Friday nights when we could do the Stations of the Cross inside the church in which I am sometimes assigned to carry the candle reminding people of our Lord’s unconditional love for us. With the situation now, I hope and pray for God’s mercy, and that things will be back to normal soon.
— Terry Gamao
The suspension of Church services during Easter does not affect my spirituality because I have a habit of meditation. By merely looking at the Cross every day I saw the reflection of sinners for whom Jesus Christ died. I need to go to a place where I can pray in silence and solitude. I practise this regularly so I can regain my sense of self. But during this special season I need longer time so that I can meditate and pray to a deeper level.
Silence and solitude help me to relinquish control over myself and over the world around me so I can simply be myself. In addition, the pillars of Lent—prayers, fasting and almsgiving—help me to stay connected with God while we have no chance to do the traditional Easter practices. It all depends on how deep one is committed and devoted to their faith.
— Juvie Gayoso
God is everywhere. Now I meet my friends briefly in the park, and do worship and praise God in our own simple ways. We can also attend Mass via online. This is our way so that our spiritual life won’t be dry despite the suspension of Mass. I miss the actual Mass every Sunday, the customary practice of doing the Stations of the Cross and our usual Lenten activities with my community. It is a different feeling. Now I visit the church, pray and do the Stations of the Cross personally.
— Julieanrey Rabulan
As a Catholic, we get used to our Christian tradition that every Lent, we go to church to attend the Way of the Cross and contemplate on the passion of Christ. I usually do it after Mass and especially on Good Friday and meditate on the sufferings and insults that Jesus endured during his passion. But because of the situation right now, church events are cancelled. I felt a little bit sad because even though I can do the Way of the Cross at home by myself or attend the online Sunday Mass, it is not as solemn as I am in the church. I still prefer to celebrate Easter in the church together with my family and friends.
— Neva Jean Sisnorio
