Understanding “Pabasa ng Pasyon” Tradition

This year, my husband’s part of The Martinez clan was in charge of the Pabasa in their ancestors’ place in Pililla Rizal. For those like me who is not exposed to this kind of Catholic Tradition, I did some research to know what it is.

According to my research, Pabása ng Pasyón (Tagalog for “Reading of the Passion”), known simply as Pabása is a Catholic devotion in the Philippines is popular during Holy Week involving the uninterrupted chanting of the Pasyón, an early 16th-century epic poem narrating the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pabasa is also known as a religious ritual chanting the words from the Pasyon, a narrative book that contains the life of Christ . It is a way for Catholics to repent to their sins and seek forgiveness from God during Lenten Season.  It is form of meditation, expression of faith to God and activity made with the fellow community.

Pabasa is classified together with Fasting, Way of the Cross, Visita Iglesia, Sinakulo, Self-Flagellation, Carrying the Cross, and Crucifixion.  In comparison with other religious traditions during holy week, Pabasa is the simplest way of repenting for your sins, sacrificing your time to God for asking for forgiveness and reflecting with the Life of Jesus Christ.

(via wikipedia |  manilacatholictraditions)

What are the things we prepared for this (once in every 5 years) tradition? Cleaning the area of the event, putting on a shade/roof and lights, renting chairs, hiring florist for the altar and carriage, food for the visitors etc.

The Pabasa lasted for more than 12 hours. For some, it’s even longer.

After that, we brought the statue of Jesus Christ Resurrection to the church to be used for the “salubong” on Easter Sunday.

I find it hard to explain this kind of tradition to my son, I don’t know how since I myself was not raised to follow this. I don’t know if exposing him to it will help him understand it.

I know he got bored, but I’m thankful he did not complain and even did not mind doing some works if we ask him to.

We went home yesterday quite tired but I’m glad we were able to help to fulfill this. Good job to all 🙂