By Paulo Loreto Lim

Diocese social communications head and San Sebastian Cathedral Rector, Fr. Felix Pasquin, recently offered Holy Week reminders to the Catholic faithful, including abstaining from consuming meat on Good Friday and blessed leaves distributed on Palm Sunday should be free.
In many cases, palm leaves are sold directly outside the church by local vendors. Pasquin said leaves that are blessed are sacred and should not be for sale.
He also reminded the faithful to abstain from consuming meat on Good Friday, a practice traditionally observed on Fridays throughout the season of Lent.
According to Canon Law, fasting and abstinence of meat is considered a form of penance. It also notes, “The conference of bishops can determine more precisely the observance of fast and abstinence as well as substitute other forms of penance.”
Additionally, with regular discussion of getaways during the holiday season, Pasquin emphasized the importance to putting the church first.
“Bring the family together in the church first, before vacation,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, a Lenten reflection was recently held in Vianney Hall at San Sebastian Cathedral for members of the media and officers of Police Regional Office-6./WDJ