Every Holy Week, the story of Jesus Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection comes alive not just through rituals, but through the voices of the youth at Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish.
The centuries-old Pasyon, a devotional chanting of Christ’s life and passion, is being carried forward by a new generation, ensuring that the tradition remains vibrant and meaningful.
For Francis Cabrera Fuerza, a youth leader, participating in the Pasyon is both a personal and spiritual journey.
“Para sa akin po, yung pagpapasyon po kasi, lalo’t habang kinakanta mo yung mga talutud niyan, parang inilalagay mo na yung sarili mo doon sa mga panahon yun. Hindi lang simple na nagkukwento ka ng epiko, na nandoon ka na nga mismo sa panahon yun,” he said.
He added that the practice goes beyond performance.
“Nandoon po na sa pag-aawit mo ng pagpapasyon, lalo higit na ito ay dapat may kalakip na matinding pagdedebosyon. Na doon sa pagdedebosyon mo na yun, mararamdaman mo talaga,” he said.
Sister Lorna Rodriguez of the Commission on Worship and Liturgy emphasized the role of the youth in sustaining the tradition.
“Ang mga kabataan ngayon, very creative, very talented, innovative,” she said, noting how they take turns leading readings and chants across the parish’s chapels.
“Slotting kami para hindi lahat napapaos… may oras ang kabataan, may oras din ang mga senior—mga lola pa nga ang iba,” Sister Rodriguez explained, highlighting the careful balance between youth energy and elder wisdom.
Fuerza agreed, stressing that the youth are the hope of the church.
“Kasi yung kabataan din ay ang pag-asa ng simbahan. Kaya kung yung mga tradisyon po sa simbahan, kung matanda at matanda lang din yung nandun… paano matututunan ng kabataan? Kaya kung sa akin po, naisin ko po na yung mga gawain sa simbahan, palaging may kasama na mga kabataan. Kasi paano sila mamumulat doon sa tradisyon na yun na nakagisnan? Paano nila matututunan? At paano din po nila may pagpapatuloy yun?” he said.
From rehearsals that start at noon to coordinated readings across chapels in the parish, the youth bring energy and devotion to a practice that has been part of Palawan’s Holy Week for generations. With their voices, dedication, and understanding of the spiritual significance, the youth ensure that the Pasyon is not just recited—it is relived, giving new life to a centuries-old tradition.
