In the tradition of the Catholic Church, the last two weeks of Lent form the season called Passion Time, the first week, which begins this Sunday, the Fifth Sunday of Lent, being known as Passion Week, while the second week, which begins on Palm Sunday, March 28, being known as the Holy Week.

The observance of Passion Time or Passion Week, when religious readings, reflections, and prayers of the liturgy focus on the Passion of Christ, will last until April 3, Black Saturday.

Considered as a deeper and more solemn time of Lent, the Catholic faithful are encouraged to reflect on the Seven Sorrows (Dolors) of the Blessed Mother.

Traditional devotions include the praying of the Way of the Cross (Via Crucis), the recitation of the Holy Rosary, meditation on the five Sorrowful Mysteries, and the recitation of the five prayers in honor of Christ’s five wounds.

Marian devotees traditionally offer novena prayers and special devotions before the image of Our Lady of Sorrows during the observance of Passion Time.

Churchgoers are reminded to go to confession before receiving the Holy Eucharist and “to reflect on the Passion of Christ, the events leading to Jesus’ Crucifixion and His capacity to endure suffering and pain for mankind.” (Christina I. Hermoso)

Serbia cites RP support
Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister Vuk Jeremic has reiterated the Republic of Serbia’s appreciation to the Philippines’ strong support in recognizing international laws as the Balkan country continues to fight for its rights in holding Kosovo as part of its territory.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the recent Special Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development (SNAMMM) in Manila, the 35-year-old Foreign Minister said the Philippines is among the strong supporters of Serbia.

Serbia is contesting Kosovo’s declaration of independence, which was enacted on Feb. 17, 2008. The Philippines is one of Serbia’s strong supporters in Asia.

“We thank the strong support of the Philippines on this issue, in helping our government continue [to fight] with the diplomatic struggle,” he said. “We’re not going to use troops, sanctions but use peaceful and legal tools.”

Aside from the Philippines, Serbia is being supported by Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia, which is also a strong supporter. (Madel Sabater)

Net café robbed
A robbery gang victimizing Internet cafés struck anew Saturday carting away 15 units of CPUs and monitors from a computer shop in Valenzuela City.

Investigators said the robbers onboard an L-300 van forcibly entered the Verzion Internet Café located at General T. De Leon Road in Barangay Gen. T. de Leon and started to ransack the shop.

A passerby noticed the forcible entry and immediately sought barangay watchmen. However, the complainant said that the barangay tanod were too late to respond enabling the suspects to flee.

Police said the modus operandi of the suspects resembled that of a group which was busted last year by the authorities.

They also appealed to computer shop owners to at least install warning devices if they can't afford to hire security guards.

Records at the police showed that most of the robberies victimizing computer shops occurred between midnight and early morning. (Willie L. Catapat)