Lenten is a six-week-long celebration of the Christian church also known as Easter in commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It is a 40 day season of "prayer, fasting, both food and festivities, abstinence, and other act of penance". Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (March 2 this year) until Palm Sunday (April 10 this year). The word "Lent" is a shortened form of the Old English word "Lencten" which means "spring season".

Lent of kwaresma in Filipino is commonly practiced in a very unique way. It starts from Palm Sunday, followed by Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and concludes on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. Filipinos are known to have a lot of beliefs in every event which is also "pamahiin." There are traditions observed in the country like Ash Wednesday, Fasting and abstinence, Pabasa ng Pasyon, Senakulo or cenacle, and Visita Iglesia.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Catholic faith is encouraged to find safer, alternative ways to celebrate Holy Week. Masses will be streamed on digital channels and social media platforms in order to avoid mass gatherings and keep the devotee from the virus infection. They can do it at home by praying and practicing the old traditions with their family.

Pandemic or not, Lent is a time to grow in and strengthen our faith, which binds us together and makes all things possible because of our love and devotion to Jesus. It is our opportunity to repent for our misdeeds and misgivings in life.

Reference:

Why is Lent so Important to Christians? Retrieved March 8, 2022. https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2017/03/22/why-is-lent-so-important-to-christians/#:~:text=As%20an%20important%20religious%20observance,be%20a%20follower%20of%20Christ.

When Is Lent 2022? – When Does Lent Start and End This Year? Retrieved March 8, 2022. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/easter-ideas/a31345625/when-is-lent/

Lent – Wikipedia. Retrieved March 8, 2022.

Asians Focus on traditions for Lent. Retrieved March 8, 2022. https://www.ucanews.com/amp/asians-focus-on-tradition-for-lent/6801

Will these 10 traditional Holy Week practice survive? Retrieved March 8, 2022. https://www.philstar.com/news-commentary/2015/04/03/1440221/will-these-10-traditional-holy-week-practices-survive/amp/