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The Traditional “PABASA”: The Chants of Prayers of Every Generation

Apr. 07, 2023 04:06 PM

The ‘Third Fall of Jesus’ visualization inspires  this year’s theme of Pabasa: Vinae Domini (Vineyard of the Lord) (Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

 

April 4, 2023, the Pabasa or the reading or chanting of the very words in the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ in the Holy Week, has commenced on Holy Monday from 3 pm to 3 pm on Holy Wednesday. The Formation Ministry spearheads the said event with the participation of the members of various ministries and organizations in the Quiapo Church.

According to Bro. John Paul Mendoza, coordinator of the Formation Ministry, this is the first time that this kind of visualization is being portrayed—something new while still keeping the sacred tradition to commemorate Jesus’ passion at Mt. Calvary. The images’ positions are arranged according to the scene during the Third Fall of Jesus: 1) The Señor Tercera Caida at the front carrying the cross on his way to calvary. 2) San Simon de Cirene as the one who helped carry the cross of Jesus 3) Both Mater Lacrimosa and San Juan Evangelista at the back, following Jesus from behind, and 4) Maria Magdalena who stayed with the two all along to accompany the two.

From left to right: Mater Lacrimosa, San Juan Evangelista, San Simon de Cirene & Maria Magdalena, who were the key figures during the third fall of Jesus while He was on His way to Calvary (Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

 

The grapes represent the blood of Jesus from the institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper, which inspires this year’s theme for pabasa: “Vinae Domini” is the Latin word for “Vineyard of the Lord,” an inspiration from “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5) – The theme explanation is about following Jesus and his teachings.

The oil in the candles represents the oil used during the offering for Passover. It is also the oil used in one of the parables of Jesus about the ten virgins (five who are wise and the remaining half are foolish) waiting for the bridegroom to show up at night. Pabasa is held at the Plaza Miranda for better accessibility for everyone to participate and share their talents in this communal activity which is inspired by the quote of St. Augustine of Hippo: “He who sings well, prays twice.” The traditional Pabasa is a narration of the whole history of salvation. It begins with the creation of the world and ends with the final judgments of the world and the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ.

The Pabasa is already deeply embedded in the culture of the Filipino faithful that has been continuously practiced from one generation to the other. This tradition has become a family gathering with friends and the neighborhood to pray and partake in the food being prepared on the table. Thus, preserving such tradition helps the faithful develop their spiritual relationship with the Lord during the Holy Week. At the same time, to strengthen the Filipino family ties where the spirit of synodality should grow in grace first, leading toward the continuous renewal of the Church.

– Alfrein O. Quirionez | EIAM & ADRM