Walking with Christ: The Paschal Triduum Experience of San Damiano Aspirants

The Office of Vocation of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, headed by Fra Odorico Laoreno, OFMConv. – Vocation Director, and Fra Raphael Ysulan, OFMConv. – Assistant Vocation Director, organized activities for the San Damiano Aspirants, namely: Bro. John Dave Pastrana, Bro. John Benedict Bayangos, Bro. Jan Wayne Garcia, and Bro. Aldin Jay Sol. These brothers, coming from various parts of the Philippines, gathered to experience the celebration of the Paschal Triduum with the Order.

The aspirants began the celebration by attending the Chrism Mass of the Diocese of Parañaque, where priests from the Order renewed their priestly vows before the Ordinary of the Diocese, Most Rev. Jesse Mercado, D.D. As part of the Maundy Thursday celebration, the aspirants participated in the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Washing of the Feet at one of the Order’s parishes – St. Augustine Parish, Parañaque City. After the Mass, the friars of St. Maximilian Friary, together with the aspirants, commemorated the Passover Seder, singing songs of service and prayer. The day concluded with prayer before the Altar of Repose at the St. Joseph Formation House, Tagaytay City.

On the second day of the Easter Triduum—Good Friday, the aspirants joined the community in Brgy. Mag-asawang Ilat, Tagaytay City in commemorating the Way of the Cross in the morning. The whole community then prepared the church for the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. At 3:00 in the afternoon, the community gathered for the Good Friday liturgy: Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion. The liturgy was presided over by Fra Matthew Faraon, OFMConv., along with other priests of the Tagaytay community. After the liturgical celebration, a commemoration of the Lord’s Burial was held around the friary.

On Holy Saturday, the Church invites the faithful to contemplate the Lord’s Passion and Death as we await His Resurrection. The entire community in Tagaytay, together with the aspirants, dedicated the day to preparing for the Easter Vigil, the “mother of all holy vigils.” They spent time in liturgical and aesthetic preparations for this significant celebration. The Easter Vigil was presided over by Fra Emmanuel Giva, OFMConv., Provincial Custos. The aspirants assisted during the celebration. The evening concluded with an Easter meal in joyful celebration of the Risen Lord.

On Easter Sunday, the community gathered for Morning Prayer, followed by the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass celebrated with the faithful in Brgy. Mag-asawang Ilat. The aspirants joined the friars in singing with the choir. After the Mass, the community organized an Easter egg hunt for the children and distributed breakfast to the parishioners. Later that day, the aspirants returned to St. Maximilian Friary and ended the day with Evening Prayer.

These three days of celebration with the friars were deeply meaningful for the aspirants. Not only did the experience enrich their spirituality, but it also helped them grow personally. They were entrusted with responsibilities that, while challenging, they managed to fulfill. This spiritual journey is a significant step in helping the aspirants become better friars and persons in the future.

LAUS DEO.