The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines urged Filipino Catholics to turn family reunions into moments of prayer, conversion, and renewed encounter with Christ.
Archbishop Gilbert Garcera said Holy Week “is our annual way of reflecting and celebrating the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ.”
The archbishop of Lipa said gatherings during the period should move beyond routine social events, describing them as “not just for usual family reunion but a moment for the family, for the whole community to pray, to reflect and to be renewed as we realize the many faults sins we have committed against Jesus who loves us.”
The prelate called on the faithful to embrace repentance and renewal, urging them “to make sure that we respond to a reflection, a moment of conversion, and a moment of rejoicing because the Lord is alive in us.”
Garcera also encouraged Catholics to take part in the sacraments and strengthen family prayer life, expressing hope that Holy Week becomes “a time for the family praying together, going to confession, receiving the Lord, and making sure that at the end of this week, Christ is alive in our midst.”
“Let this be a reflection during this Holy Week. I bless you all,” he added.
