4 days Ago By Jewil Anne M. Tabiolo
Midterms are finally over, and for many college students, it’s tempting to sprint straight into the comfort of sleep, snacks and screen time. But this week feels different. It’s Holy Week and for students from the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R), it’s a time when the best way to honor the divine is to slow down, listen and simply be.
These are the little ways they’re letting their souls rest:Faith in the quietFor Ethan Pablo, Holy Week is a time for the soul. “As a Catholic student, it’s a sacred pause,” he shared. “A moment to reflect deeply on my faith and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
” With the rush of lectures and assignments behind him, Ethan chooses silence over scrolling. He prays, meditates and breathes. “Whether it’s helping at church or spending quiet time with family, I want this Holy Week to be a period of renewal, reflection and gratitude.
”Rest as reverenceLeanne Layague knows hustle like the back of her hand. Her weekdays are loaded with school, and weekends are for singing. So this break is golden for her.
“This is the perfect time for me to stay at home and focus on my well-being,” she said. For Leanne, taking care of herself this Holy Week isn’t laziness, it’s love. Love for the body, mind and soul that gets pushed aside too often.
Homebound kind of holy“Holy Week is a sacred week,” said Stacey Campañon. “It’s a reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus and His love for us.” But for Stacey, it’s also a “pahinga week,” a rare moment to slow down.
She’s not one to go out during this time. “As a form of sacrifice and respect, I stay home,” she said. And in between quiet prayers and introspection, she finds comfort in companionship.
“I’ll spend more time with my dogs too,” she added. “Sometimes, all we need is a comfort found in wagging tails and warm company.”City lights, sacred sitesFor Ed Flores, Holy Week is about two things: family and faith.
“It’s a very important time for me,” he said. “Me and my family will just spend our Holy Week here in the city and visit churches.” The tradition of Visita Iglesia becomes their shared ritual and hearts open to grace.
“The spirit of God is always within us,” he added.Breath of graceAnd for Junry Tabiolo, who just made it out of midterms alive, Holy Week is a lifeline. “It’s a time to pause and breathe,” he said.
“I really needed this to refresh my mind, think about what truly matters and be closer to God.” In a world that rarely stops spinning, Holy Week is his still point and a moment to remember what anchors him. S.
