These last two weeks has been an intense moment of prayer, reflection and Sacramental Reconciliation for the faithful of the diocese as the Lenten Season winds down leading towards the Holy Week.
Fr. Arthur Leger, SJ at the invitation of Bishop Ryan toured the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota giving Lenten reflection in different parishes two weeks ago. He did two talks in Saipan, one for the northern parishes and one for the southern parishes. He also visited the parishes in Tinian and Rota. In his reflection, he challenged the people to be aware of one’s attitude especially the bad ones that affects our relationship with others. He said that Lenten season is a time to desire to change our attitudes. Many people attended Fr. Leger’s talk which also helped prepare them for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The following week, Bishop Ryan and the priests of the diocese organized themselves to visit the different parishes in Saipan for their respective Parish Reconciliation Service. For as long as needed, the priests listened patiently to the confession of the faithful, offering them the Sacramental Absolution of the forgiveness of their sins.
Receiving the Sacrament of Confession is one of the most effective way to prepare for the Holy Week celebration. In fact, Church’s law mandate that every Christian goes to confession at least once a year in this period.
The Holy Week celebration will begin with Passion Sunday, which is characterized with the blessing of the palms, commemorating the entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
The Mass of Chrism will be on Wednesday at Mt. Carmel Cathedral at 7:00 PM. This solemn Liturgy which is one of the few occasions where all the clergy and the faithful gathered in one celebration is also known with the blessing of the holy oils which will be used in the celebration of the different Sacraments throughout the year. This is also the time when all the priests make the renewal of their priestly commitment.
In Saipan, one of the highlights of the Holy Week celebration is the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, following the trail towards the summit of Mt. Tapotchau. The reflection/walk will begin at 5:00 AM and will be guided by the San Antonio parishioners which is the host parish for this year. 14 stations markers will be set up along the trail for the people to pause and reflect on the journey of Jesus Christ towards Mt. Golgotha where he was crucified.
The culmination of the week is the Easter Vigil celebration in the parishes on Saturday evening and the Easter Sunday Mass at the summit of Mt. Tapotchau. This year the dawn Easter Mass on Mt. Tapotchau will be preceded by the “Salubong” (Tagalog for encounter or meeting) This Filipino tradition on Easter Sunday morning, re-enacts the meeting of the Risen Christ with the Blessed Virgin Mary and heralded by the angels. Fr. Romil, the pastor of San Antonio will preside the Easter Sunday Mass.
