ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Apr 3 (PIA) – The Western Command (WESCOM), with all its military personnel and their dependents of Catholic faith will commemorate the Holy Week with religious events beginning April 1 to 8 at the WESCOM Chapel.
The 6th Civil Relations Group of the AFP disclosed that the solemn observance of Holy Week has begun with a mass on Palm Sunday (Linggo ng Palaspas). The blessing of Palm branches is to be conducted by the Command Chaplain.
Holy Wednesday services will be on April 4 to include recollection and to be followed by a Novena Mass.
On Maundy Thursday (Huwebes Santo), the Command will observe the Mass of the Institution of the Lord's Supper to be followed by the re-enactment of Washing of the Feet and a Vigil to the Blessed Sacrament.
On Good Friday WESCOM will commemorate the Veneration of the Cross at three in the afternoon. It is a commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His death at Calvary to be followed by Communion Services.
On Holy Saturday or Black Saturday (Sabado de Gloria), the Command will commemorate the day that Jesus Christ was laid in the tomb after His death .The Great Vigil of Easter begins on the 07th of April at 8 o’clock in the evening, with Blessing of the Fire, Easter Proclamation, Blessing of Water and Renewal of Baptismal Promises.
At the end of the week-long commemoration, on Easter Sunday or Pasko ng Pagkabuhay, the Command will mark the activity with a joyous celebration with a Holy Sunday Mass, to be followed by an Easter egg hunting for all the kids. (6CRGAFP/RVC-PIA-9 ZBST)