CBCP reminds the faithful of the solemnity of 'pabasa'
An official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reminded the faithful who are holding the “pabasa” (chanting of the Lord’s passion) to maintain a relatively low but audible voice while attending the event.
CBCP spokesman Msgr. Pedro Quitorio said that pabasa participants should not overact by singing too loud since its real purpose was for the community is to meditate and reflect on God’s word.
Pabasa is an overnight vigil where attendees sing the Lord’s passion. It is a tradition in this predominantly Roman Catholic nation during the Lenten Season.
“The one reading should be meditative otherwise its sense or purpose is diminished,” Quitorio said.
Although, the CBCP official said they saw nothing wrong with pabasa organizers sharing the event to the rest of the community as long as it was not enforced.
Quitorio, on the other hand, accepted that some faithful were changing the tone of the pabasa, by doing a rap version of it.
“We should not prohibit them (the youth) from doing that because that is their world, the world of rap, as long as the meaning is the passion narrative,” he said.
He said the CDCP was not against it and if this would help the faithful better meditate on the Gospel. (PNA)