“The Joyful Noise of Lent: How Music Makes the Season More Meaningful and Memorable”
Captain’s Log: Day #28 of my 30-Day Challenge to write a 500-word article every day for the next 30 days.
Today is a Holy Monday and one of the more interesting traditions during this time of the year is the “Pabasa”. It is also known as a religious ritual chanting the words from the “Pasyon”, a narrative book that contains the life of Christ. It is a way for Catholics to repent for their sins and seek forgiveness from God during Lenten Season.
What is interesting about it is how music has always been intertwined with religious festivities. Part of what makes the celebration of the mass more lively is the choir and singing of songs like “Alleluia”, “Hosanna”, “Our Father” and many more.
And with the Pabasa, you’re literally singing a whole book. There have been other versions that were made to try and modernize it but the one thing that really makes it unique is the way it is sung.
I remember when I was younger while hearing mass, a priest once said in his sermon that music has a way of bringing different people together, no matter what race or language you speak.
He talked about an experience he had while traveling in Japan to attend a particular conference. During the conference there were different groups of people, there were the Japanese, Germans, French and other races. One particular group sang the song, “This Is the Day That the Lord Has Made” and then immediately, every race sang the song in their own language. It was both funny and interesting at the same time. They knew the message of the song even if they were speaking different languages.
Whether it’s a guitar or piano, most of the church songs are pretty easy to play. Although I hardly know the chords of a church song, based on how I hear it, I think some of them are repetitive which makes it easier to learn and memorize.
There is this guy on TikTok who plays keyboards for the church but sometimes spruces up with local or popular pop songs just to meld religiosity and entertainment.
Music has a way of just making the mood amplified a bit more, it can brighten up a celebration and at the same time make it as solemn and soulful as the moment requires.
And during this lenten season, it can be observed in the way people hold their pabasa tradition. A tradition that reflects our faith as Catholics and also our love for music.
There will be other traditional events that are about to be celebrated, like Visita Iglesia, the washing of the feet, and the seven last words, but in each and every one of these celebrations you can be sure that a good music accompaniment will not be lost.
Whichever way you decide to celebrate your holy week, whether away from the city, in a province, or just at home, whether you have work or are on vacation, great music will always be a great companion.
In this time of reflection and repentance, may we all find that music in our life that is sweet solemn, and complete to help us get through the season and make that change in our lives for the better.
