'Response to the Lord's call': Priest explains practice of 'Caridad' in the Philippines

During Holy Week, Filipinos practice "Caridad," a Spanish term that translates to "charity," by offering food to others as a form of kindness.

Parish priest Leandro Magnait of St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish in Caloocan explained biblical information that could explain why people practice such a generous tradition.

"The practice of Caridad is one of the corporal works of mercy taught by the Church in Matthew Chapter 25," Magnait said in an interview with the Manila Bulletin. 

"In the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper (Holy Thursday),' the washing of the feet' is held, truly a great example of humility and loving service; hence, the practice of Caridad during Holy Week may be understood as a response to the Lord's call to follow his example of loving service," he added.

That is why Caridad is also held in the parish after the Holy Thursday evening Mass.

Visita Iglesia

Meanwhile, Magnait noted that in the Philippines, “the Visita Iglesia has been observed after the Mass of the Lord's Supper in the evening of Holy Thursday, in accord with the invitation of the Church for the faithful to spend time to adore the Blessed Sacrament in the Church."

“Whereas, there are no specific provisions in Catholic teaching on the practice of Caridad and Visita Iglesia; nonetheless, this Semana Santa (Holy Week) practice of Catholics should be understood as included in the teaching of the Church on prayer,” he explained.

In the Philippines, Magnait added that the practice of Caridad and Visita Iglesia can be understood as part of the "popular piety" cited by the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines in 1991 (paragraphs nos. 167-175).

"PCP-II calls Filipino Catholics to a renewal of prayer life, where worship and daily life are connected," he said.

"The practice of caridad and Visita Iglesia follows that vision," he added.

Heartwarming

Moreover, Magnait shared some of his personal experiences as he witnessed these traditions every Holy Week.

"In my many years of parish ministry, it is so heartwarming to witness how families and groups of young people practice Visita Iglesia," he said.

"In such moments, some young people have shared to me how they were inspired to love more their Catholic Faith, and in some cases, to love more the Church—giving them the courage to follow their vocation to the priesthood," he added.

The Catholic priest also expressed a message to the public for this Holy Week.

"Huwag iwanan si Jesus (Jesus Christ) ngayong Semana Santa (Holy Week). Sundan ang mga yapak ni Jesus sa pamamagitan ng pakikilahok sa mga gawain ng parokya at sa Liturhiya ng Banal na Triduo (Do not leave Jesus this Holy Week. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus by participating in the parish activities and in the Liturgy of the Sacred Paschal Triduum)," he said.