Holy Week this year would not be the same anymore. It is not the usual celebration we used to have over the years.

It feels different and seems to be an extraordinary one ‘cause we meant to celebrate it at home this year amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Churches and spiritual groups will no longer hold some of our Filipino traditional practices which served as a vital part of our annual holy week celebration.

Streets along the house of God will never be the same again this year. Our traditional ‘Pabasa’ or Chanting of Passion of the Christ will no longer be happening, just a timid and an ordinary day will pass.

Our much-awaited ‘Senakulo,’ a famous theatrical play every season, will not be going to happen this year as we observed social distancing and strictly implementing to stay at home to contain and help not to spread the virus.

Those who want to perform the traditional ‘Penitensya’ or Penance will not be allowed to do it these holy days. Maybe instead of hurting themselves to repent for their sins and wrongdoings, they must use this time to reflect and imbibe the holy teachings.

We all know that these rituals and traditional practices are ways of some to do it as an act of sacrifice for the good faith, for their families and some people to appreciate the sacrifice of Christ but this is not the right time to pursue it.

This too shall pass. Just keep on praying for the world to be healed and one day all things will go back to normal the way it used to be.