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Don’t turn Holy Week into a circus - Pampanga bishop


MANILA, Philippines - A Catholic bishop from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's home province of Pampanga appealed to priests Wednesday not to turn the Holy Week into a circus of "festive events" catering to tourists. San Fernando de Pampanga Archbishop Paciano Aniceto deplored that these "festive events" are highlighted with the crucifixion of penitents in Cutud village on Good Friday. "There are penitents who personally see me explaining their devotion and I usually tell them not to do it for show," Aniceto said in an interview on Church-run Radio Veritas. Excerpts of the interview were posted on the CBCP Web site (www.cbcpnews.com) Wednesday afternoon. Aniceto said such festivities embolden those who believe that flagellation and similar activities are done in hope to receive blessings or favor from God. "I told them, time and again, to take time to thank God for the blessings and never to use their devotion for tourism purposes," he said. He described the practice as "popular piety," adding such practices thrive due to lack of catechists which results into failure to deepen the people's understanding of the Paschal mystery. Worse, Aniceto said a circus atmosphere prevails in Cutud during the Holy Week due to the surge of stall owners who sell souvenir items to visitors and spectators. He lamented said too much commercialism has affected the Holy Week celebration in the city. "We have to remind everyone of the spiritual values involved in the celebration of the Holy Week," he said. - GMANews.TV
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