Some senators to do Visita Iglesia, Pabasa during Holy Week

Devotees might find senators walking with them to the churches this week, as some lawmakers plan to do a Visita Iglesia on Maundy Thursday and take part in the Pabasa as part of their observance of Holy Week.

“Every year since I was a child, on Thursday night we do Visita Iglesia and visit seven nearby churches,” Senator Grace Poe told GMA News Online in a text message.

She added that on midnight of Good Friday, her mother, actress Susan Roces, continues the tradition of her Lola and hosts a “Pabasa” in her house.

Pabasa is a Holy Week tradition which involves the uninterrupted chanting of the Pasyon, an early 16th-century epic poem narrating the life, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ

“It goes on from midnight till 3 p.m. of Good Friday. We take turns singing the verses of the 'passion' :)) (Admittedly I only sing a few verses),” Poe said in a text message.

She added the ones that are really leading the Pabasa are her grandmother's friends from way back.

“I truly admire their sacrifice and patience. The leaders are Ate Benny and Doris and if I'm not mistaken they are in their eighties, so now they are assisted by their grandnieces and nephews,” she said.

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito is also planning to do a Visita Iglesia on Maundy Thursday and participate in the Way of the Cross on Good Friday and the “salubong” on Easter Sunday.

“I usually do not go out of town [during Holy Week]. I usually spend it here only at home. For me, Holy Week is a time to reflect on the passion and death of Christ. It is one of the more significant events in Christianity. I can go on vacation and do whatever I want the rest of the year so for me Holy Week is a time for reflection and sacrifice,” he said in a text message.

Acting Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III said his observance of Holy Week will be “the usual way, with the family and Pabasa in Vic's house this weekend.” He was referring to his brother comedian Vic Sotto.

Senate President Franklin Drilon said he will just be in Manila while Senator Sergio Osmeña said he “will bring my family to visit Bohol. Would also have opportunity to inspect progress on rehabilitation of earthquake damaged structures.” — BM, GMA News