All set for Lent observance in Angeles

ANGELES, Pampanga – Solemn activities and events in observance of the Lenten season are all in place in this highly-urbanized city.

"This is the best time for us to reflect and remember the sacrifices that Christ has done for us. Out of town vacations are great but let us also take time to solemnly observe Lent as a manifestation of our faith," Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said.

Kicking off this year's observance is Holy Rosary Parish Church's (HRPC) Living Stations of the Cross which are set to take place at the Plaza Angel.

On Palm Sunday, HRPC will stage the re-enactment of the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem at the Apung Mamacalulu Shrine.

The 6th installment of Sinukwan Kapampangan's "Panata at Panalangin: A Spiritual Journey through Culture and Arts" will take place on April 10 and 15 at the MarQuee Mall Park.

The Lenten presentation, which features the religious practices of Kapampangans through a mixed-media art and dance performance, will be directed by Angeleño artisan Peter de Vera.

Also on April 10 and 15, a dramatic take on "Kalbaryo ng Bayan" will be showcased by Teatro Angeleño at Estacion de Angeles (PNR) People's Park.

On April 11, HRPC will hold a "Cumpisalan ning Balen" from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to be followed by a regular mass at 5:30 p.m., and a recollection at 6:30 p.m.

Sinukwan Kapampangan is also set to restage "Ing Ritwal Ning Banal a Panata" on April 11, 7p.m. at the Plaza Angel, Sto. Rosario Heritage District, which highlights the traditional rituals and practices of Pampanga folks during Lent.

HRPC's "Ing Dalan Ning Cruz" (Pipaglimbunan) will be held on April 12 (Holy Wednesday) at 4 a.m. Regular mass and recollection will follow.

On Maundy Thursday, there will be a mass of the Lord's Supper at 5:30 p.m. which will coincide with the city's most anticipated "Siete Palabras" or Christ's "Seven Last Words" in Lourdes Northwest (LNW) with the re-enactment of the Last Supper at Arevalo Basketball Court.

On Good Friday, the dramatic continuation of Siete Palabras with the re-enactment of the crucifixion and death of Christ, will be staged 12 noon at the LNW Golgotha.

"Siete Palabras" will feature the creative direction of Jason Pabalan with characters from Uyat Artista and residents of LNW.

Likewise on Good Friday, there will be veneration of the Cross at 3 p.m., which will be followed by the traditional Good Friday procession.

The Veneration of Apu, on the other hand, will take place at 10 p.m.

There will be Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday at 8 p.m., to be followed by the "Salubong" at the Nepo Grounds at 10 p.m.

On Easter Sunday, regular Sunday mass is scheduled.

Capping this year's Lenten observance is Arti Sta. Rita's Lenten Zarzuela entitled "Tulauk" to be directed by Kapampangan artist Andy Alviz, on April 16, 6 p.m. at the Nepo Park.

"These events will help each and every Angeleños, tourists and pilgrims alike, to reflect and pray not only for themselves, but also for the betterment of their fellow and of the country," Pamintuan said. (PNA)