Basbas ng Palaspas signals start of Lenten Rites in Batangas

The Archbishop of Lipa, His Excellency Most Reverend Gilbert A. Garcera, D.D., led the start of Holy Week 2024 in the province of Batangas with Basbas ng Palaspas, a Palm Saturday Mass held at the Marian Orchard Pilgrimage site last March 23, 2024.

In a Circular released on February 13, 2024, Archbishop Garcera encouraged the faithful to “…pray that our Lenten celebration be a time of greater intimacy with God in prayer, a time to sacrifice through penance, and a time of generosity with those in need, through the intercession of Our Lady of Caysasay, our Queen and Mother, and St. Joseph, the patron saint of our Archdiocese.”

The first Basbas ng Palaspas in the Marian Orchard was started by Archbishop Garcera, before the global pandemic. It is hoped that this tradition will carry on in the years to come.

In the years before the pandemic, Archbishop Emeritus of Lipa, Most Rev. Ramon C. Arguelles traditionally celebrated Easter Mass in the orchard.

Spiritual Oasis

The Marian Orchard is a pilgrimage site for prayer and reflection. It serves as a spiritual oasis committed to promote Roman Catholicism through the propagation of Marian devotion and other religious activities that will inspire a renewal of faith.

With the active involvement of FAITH Colleges, the Marian Orchard FAITH Foundation manages the overall affairs of this pilgrimage site situated in Balete, Batangas.

The Marian Orchard is home to the Adorno Fathers who serve as its resident religious, giving life to the celebration of masses and liturgical seasons in the orchard.

Adorno and Marian Orchard

Through its involvement in Marian Orchard and in the nearby communities of Brgy. Malabanan and the Municipality of Balete, the Adorno Fathers relive their mission as what the Founders stated: “There must be in our Order, those who hear confessions, preach, teach, and engage in other spiritual exercises for their own sanctification and that of their fellowmen.”

Marian Orchard president Amada J. Javella said that the Adorno Fathers have been deeply involved, not only in the pilgrimage site, but more so in the nearby communities of Brgy. Malabanan and the Municipality of Balete. “They have been reaching out to the youth, encouraging them to join the Ministry of Altar Servers as alternative to joining street gangs. They are also continuously raising funds to catechize children. They are presently mentoring more than 50 children and youth.”

For this season of Lent, resident priest of the Adorno Fathers in Marian Orchard Fr. Emiliano Gutierrez Jr, CRM sends out this message to the faithful: “To our dear brothers and sisters, as we enter the season of Lent, we focus our spiritual conversion that we undergo in our lives. Conversion is the key to find peace. As you seek conversion, may you find the courage to embrace change. Wisdom to discern truth, and the grace to let go of everything, to forget yourselves that no longer serve you. May our journey be guided by love, forgiveness, and a deepening relationship with Jesus. Allow Jesus to lead you to a life of purpose and fulfillment. May you find peace in moments of prayer, strength in times of fasting, and joy in acts of charity.

Fr. Gutierrez, who also serves as the Vice Chaplain of FAITH Colleges, together with school chaplain Fr. Donaldo Dimaandal, says, ”I pray that your Lent will be fruitful and meaningful. Let i us indeed strive for humility and progress together.” All-year round VisitA IglesiaThe Lipa City Tourism Council, in cooperation with the City Mayor’s Office, cordially invites everybody to visit and PRAY in Lipa via the all-year round “VISITA IGLESIA.” To be guided in and enjoy your prayerful journey, secure the Lipa City Visita Iglesia postcard from any of the 14 churches, City Mayor’s Office, City Community Affair’s Office, or Museo de Lipa (near Plaza Independencia). As you visit each church, take a picture of the Visita Iglesia Official Station Poster posted near the main entrance of all the churches, or take a selfie in each church. You may save San Sebastián Cathedral for your last stop if you want the Official Stamping of Completion on your postcard, to be done by the main entrance security staff.

For pilgrims who complete the visit, send your photos to Lipa City Tourism Council Facebook Page-Messenger account for a chance to win special prizes from Lipa City Tourism Council and City Mayor’s Office.