Holy Week traditions still very much alive among Pinoys

In observance of the Holy Week, Catholic devotees on Thursday started flocking to various churches for the traditional Visita Iglesia, while others performed various acts of penance -- even those frowned upon by the Catholic Church.

In Intramuros, Filipino families from different parts of the country trooped to the Manila Cathedral, a popular destination for the Visita Iglesia tradition where devotees visit seven Catholic churches.

A Chrism Mass was led by Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle in the morning and was attended by hundreds of Catholic priests.

Cardinal Tagle blows on the vessels of holy oil during the Chrism Mass at the Manila Cathedral on Holy Thursday. #HolyWeek2018 pic.twitter.com/G0qxuPuw4O

— CBCPNews (@cbcpnews) March 29, 2018

Hundreds of priests attend the Chrism Mass presided by @CardinalChito at the Manila Cathedral on #HolyThursday. #HolyWeek2018 pic.twitter.com/N3N5ULUTjt

— CBCPNews (@cbcpnews) March 28, 2018

Others did the Stations of the Cross prayer, which recalls the 14 traditional events in the Passion of Jesus.

In Caloocan City, flagellants were seen whipping their bloodied bodies as they march along a street to atone for their sins and ask forgiveness from God.

The Catholic Church is not in favor of self-flagellation and crucifixion, saying other harmless penitential acts could be done. The Department of Health likewise warned the public against possible infections caused by self-flagellation.

Then there was also the Pabasa where devotees read verses from the Bible.

Other parishes, meanwhile, conducted Senakulo plays on Wednesday evening, to depict the trial, suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

-- Text by Jamil Santos, photos by Danny Pata/KBK, GMA News