The meaning of Holy Week, explained

For many Filipino Catholics, they have been observing Holy Week ever since they were born—from attending Palm Sunday masses, doing Visita Iglesia, and celebrating Easter Sunday.

As thousands observe the special Catholic holiday once again this year, others may ask what's the tradition all about.

In an interview with GMA News Online, Parish Pastoral Church chairman Rino Balatbat and secretary Monette Balatbat shed some light on what each day means.

According to them, the Holy Week is composed of eight days that signify the string of events leading to Jesus Christ's resurrection.

The Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday when Jesus Christ enters the city of Jerusalem. The Monday before Easter marks the day when Jesus went to the temple and confronted those making a profit off of the people who went there to worship.

Meanwhile, Holy Tuesday "was a day of avoiding traps" because priests set four traps for Jesus and questioned his authority, but Jesus continued to teach three parables.

"Holy  Wednesday is referred to as a day of rest for Jesus," Rino and Monette said.

"On Holy or Maundy Thursday, in an upper room, Jesus and His disciples shared the Last Supper. On this day, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and broke bread with them for the last time," they added.

"Good Friday was the last day of Jesus' life on earth before His resurrection. It's called Good Friday because, by Jesus' death, he became the final, complete sacrifice for our sins."

On Holy Saturday, Jesus' body rested in the tomb.

"On Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead, fulfilling the prophecy," Rino and Monette said.

The two said that Holy Week is important because it is an opportunity to reflect on Jesus' sacrifices for humanity.

As Metro Manila and neighboring areas are under enhanced community quarantine, several churches have been conducting Holy Week masses online. —MGP, GMA News