By Social Communications Ministry

Published on April 20, 2025

TANAY, RIZAL– From Palm Sunday on April 13 to Easter Sunday on April 20, 2025, the faithful of San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish commemorated the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ through the Holy Week and Easter Triduum celebrations, with deep participation and reverence from the parish community.

The observance began on Palm Sunday with the rites and blessing of palm leaves, marking Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This was followed by regular Holy Masses on Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday, offering space for reflection and preparation.

On Holy Wednesday, the parish held the traditional “Prusisyon ng Pagpapakasakit ng Panginoon”, allowing the faithful to meditate on the Lord’s suffering.

Maundy Thursday featured the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, followed by the pagtatanod (vigil) at the Altar of Repose, where parishioners took turns in silent prayer. Earlier in the day, a Chrism Mass was held at Antipolo Cathedral, attended by priests from the Diocese of Antipolo, including representatives from San Ildefonso Parish.

Good Friday began at 4:00 AM with the Estacion General, a solemn procession meditating on the Stations of the Cross. At 3:00 PM, the faithful gathered to commemorate the Passion of Christ and the Adoration of the Holy Cross. This was followed by the Dapit sa Santo Sepulcro at 5:00 PM and the Paglilibing procession at 6:00 PM, recalling the burial of Jesus.

On Black Saturday, the Prusisyon Silencio offered a quiet and prayerful reflection. The parish community then gathered in the evening for the Easter Vigil Mass at 7:00 PM, which included the lighting of the Paschal candle and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

The week concluded on a joyful note with the “Salubong” at 4:00 AM on Easter Sunday, a traditional encounter between the images of the Risen Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, followed by Easter Sunday Masses throughout the day.

Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Delatado, parish priest, extended his gratitude to all the parish volunteers, liturgical ministries, youth, and lay organizations who assisted in organizing and facilitating the week’s events. “Taos-puso ang aking pasasalamat sa lahat ng tumulong. Ang ating sama-samang panalangin at paggunita ay patunay ng buhay na pananampalataya ng ating parokya,” he said.

The parish thanked everyone for their participation and encouraged continued reflection on the Paschal Mystery as a source of strength and renewal for the community.