President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to “know Jesus Christ more” to become better agents of change as Christians around the world observe the Holy Week.
“I urge all of us now to make this promise personal: Let it stir in each of us the desire to know Jesus Christ more so that we may become better agents of change and conveyors of truth wherever we go,” he said in his Palm Sunday message.
“With the hope for a brighter future by the grace of God, I wish everyone a meaningful celebration,” he added.
Marcos recognized how Filipinos take the time to commemorate the blessed occasion in “varying degrees and traditions.”
“Ultimately, no matter how constant or diverse this occasion is in the Filipino psyche, one thing emerged true each time: That God, in His divine and everlasting wisdom, manifested His immeasurable and incomparable love to us all through the very human person of Jesus Christ,” he said.
He likewise noted that it is inevitable that people’s thoughts will gravitate to the events and challenges of recent years in this upcoming Holy Week observance.
This, he said, gives Filipino Christians another chance to deeply contemplate the impact of Christ’s passion and death.
“Lest we end up defeated by the troubles of this world, it is imperative that we direct our thoughts and our actions to the resurrection of the Lord and the victory that this gives us to this very day,” he said.
“Indeed, while it may be difficult to comprehend, the message of salvation and eternal life remains as timely as ever,” he added.
The Holy Week, which is observed from Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday, is the most sacred period in the liturgical year of Christianity, marked by prayers, penance, and reflections.
On Friday, the presidential palace announced the suspension of work in government offices starting noon on Holy Wednesday, to give workers ample time to prepare for the observance of the Holy Week, like those going home to the provinces.
The palace made the announcement through Memorandum Circular 16 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
Malacañang earlier declared Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (April 6 and 7) as regular holidays.
The day after Easter Sunday, April 10, is also a non-working holiday in observance of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).
