Security forces, stakeholders lauded for peaceful Holy Week

THE LOCAL government commended security forces and barangay officials, including those involved in the preparation and security during the observance of the Holy Week.

Mayor Beng Climaco said the cooperation of everybody and other stakeholders ensured the safety of the devotees for strictly following the public health protocols.

Government photos show Mayor Beng Climaco with security officials and the Catholic procession participated by devotees.

The mayor was also spotted with security officials led by Army Col. Randolph Rojas, commander of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga; and Col. Alexander Lorenzo, the city police chief; before and during the Holy Week inspecting various areas, including places of worships and in Barangay Pasonanca.

The Climaco Freedom Park, where the Holy Hill is located, was flocked by devotees as part of their Lenten tradition. A procession, where statues of Jesus Christ and other saints were paraded, was also successful. 

During Holy Week, Christians recall the events leading up to Jesus’ death by crucifixion and, according to their faith, his Resurrection. The week includes five days of special significance. The first is Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ humble entry (on a donkey) into Jerusalem to observe Passover. 

According to the Gospel account, Jesus was greeted by crowds of people who spread their cloaks and laid palm leaves in his path and proclaimed him the Son of David. In many Christian churches, Palm Sunday is celebrated with a blessing and procession of palms.  

Maundy Thursday marks Jesus’ institution at the Last Supper of the Eucharist, thereafter a central element of Christian worship. In Roman Catholicism, Maundy Thursday is accompanied by the pope’s washing of the feet of 12 humble or poor persons, in imitation of Jesus’ washing of the feet of his 12 disciples at the Last Supper. 

Good Friday commemorates Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross; it is traditionally a day of sorrow, penance, and fasting. Holy Saturday, also called Easter Vigil, is the traditional end of Lent.  Easter Sunday is the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection, according to the Gospels, on the third day after his crucifixion. The modern observance of Easter, like that of Christmas, has become associated with various folk traditions that have little connection with the religious celebration; they include the Easter lamb, the Easter rabbit, and the painting of Easter eggs. (Zamboanga Post)