Even if we have our own different religion and belief, this should not be a reason to divide us people, but rather a way to look at each belief in a good way with respect. Just based on what I've noticed, there are people who criticize and insult the beliefs of others but don't notice what they're doing. They are self-conceited, self-righteous, feeling entitled, preachering other as if they know everything about God and the Bible. To show that they are the right and should be the one to obeyed in terms of beliefs, they will mock and insult you but do not notice that they are becoming wrong in their ways.

I know there are many who are against the penitence activities that Catholics do every holy week. As a member of this religion but not participating in the similar activities, I also give respect to this tradition or practice.

I respect those who penitence because if they are able to make sacrifices every holy week, there is a possibility that they will do it all year round. It's not just about crucifying or penitential walking, but sacrificing to do things that may be difficult but you choose it because it's the right thing to do. On the other hand, I don't agree with people who pretend to be penitent but after holy week go back to bad deeds.

Penitential Walking or "Alay-lakad"

Penitential walking is a common practice of the devotees during the Holy Week. Here in Bicol, especially in Camarines Sur, Hinulid is better known in Calabanga, which is where penitents go every holy week. Calabanga is visited by hundreds to thousands of pilgrims walking, usually during the night of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday from Naga City and other parts of Bicol going to Hinulid Chapel to visit the miraculous image of the Santo Entierro called by the faithful as Hinulid.

Individuals, friends, families, and groups walk together in the pilgrim site to pray, do an act of penitence and be with God. There are also certain groups who are offering services such as free goto, soup, water, coffee and medical services for the pilgrims.

This afternoon my sister together with our sister-in-laws and other cousins ​​left for a walk to Calabanga. It's a bit far from Naga because there are several neighboring municipalities to go through. They left at five o'clock this afternoon and they might be able to go home at two o'clock tomorrow morning because for sure there are many people at Hinulid Chapel.

Though I'm a Catholic member but I don't really participate in this tradition. Actually, I was invited by my cousins to do penitential walking today but I didn't go. I really can't for it's too far from our house to the church where they do the penitential walking "alay-lakad" every holy week. I feel like I will be crippled and unable to walk for a few days if I join. I believe that you can reflect even at home or wherever you are. Just do what is right in the eyes of our God. You don't need to hurt yourself just to show others that you are sorry for your sins.

Post Note

It's April 06, 2023!

How are you all? Let's have a peaceful commemoration of the holy week. Reflect on ourselves, repent and change. Not just this week but throughout the year. There are problems and sacrifices we go through but we will surely overcome it in due time. Just do the right thing and it will come back to you.

Have a blessed Maundy Thursday everyone.

Thank you for reading. ☺️

@Reclusexantho

*Lead image from Unsplash