MANILA, Philippines – Atty. Braulio Tansinsin shares his insight on 'Semana Santa': "Almost three decades ago during Holy Week, we came across a procession in Libertad Street, Pasay City where drug addicts, snatchers, thieves and robbers, and petty criminals joined.

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“We joked that the priests and bishops are at fault because out of the 52 weeks in a year, only one is a HOLY WEEK. Are the other weeks not holy?

“Maybe it is now timely to change Holy Week to 'Holiest Week' or 'Santisima Semana' so that many Christians and criminals, including politicians, will not be misled to believe that outside of Holy Week is no longer holy." Something to think about.

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With Palm Sunday ushering in Holy Week, we've reached the most significant part of the Church calendar. We reflect on Passion and Death of the Lord with an eye on the "happy ending" of Easter Sunday.

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Unfortunately for many this Christ-centered commemoration is being eroded or even replaced by mundane activities.

For instance, many view Holy Week more as a much-awaited holiday for reviewing tax records to beat the submission deadline or motoring to Baguio or Tagaytay or take off to Boracay or some beach resorts.

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Others indulge in unholy recreations, like gambling or, worse, getting high on dangerous drugs!

While rest and recreation are part of the Holy Week break, let us not forget to devote some time for prayer, reflections and penitential acts, and one way of doing this is to participate in the church’s liturgical activities or join a retreat or recollection in your parish.

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This is actually the reason why we Filipinos are given the long holiday. In other countries, like the USA, they don’t have such luxury. So let’s use our Holy Week holiday properly and meaningfully.

Incidentally, self-flagellation and crucifixion are frowned upon as forms of penitensya by Church authorities.

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The fact that they are done in public, drawing the attention of people, especially tourists, make these acts done only for display. In some places where men and even women are nailed to the cross, love offerings are collected — or is it a “talent fee”?

Some better forms of penance are fasting, works of charity or getting reconciled with someone you’re not in talking terms with.

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THE LIGHTER SIDE. Nun to drunken man praying the Stations of the Cross: "Mister, you're doing it backwards!" Man: "Ha, no wonder, Jesus Christ gets stronger and stronger after every Station!"

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Did you know about the man who always had himself crucified on Good Friday? The doctor told him that the big nails may cause tetanus infection. So he advised him to get anti-tetanus injection. The man replied: “Doc, I don't want to. I can't stand the pain of injections.” (But he can stand being nailed!).

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‘7 LAST WORDS.’ We wish to thank the following latest donors for our 7 Last Words to be televised on Good Friday, April 22 over ABS CBN: Rosie Quintos; Flor Abille Myers; Marie Rose Navarro; Susie Lañada-Papa; Femma Josefa Cabusas; Domingo Lupdan; Tess Tung; Rowena Oliveros; Dulce Miranda; Manuel Santos; Oscar Inocentes; St. Peregrine Community; Olivia Ang; Ernie Espiritu & Family; Atty. Jun Caluya; Ace Sprinter Inc.; Conchita Mendoza; Emily Tiu; Warren Family; St. Jude Devotees of Divine Word Shrine, CKS.