Holy Week 2025 was meaningful as ever with Jesuit Communications (JesCom) offering powerful stories of faith, sacred music, and deep reflection to help Catholics prepare for the Easter Triduum.
From Palm Sunday through Black Saturday, JesCom’s special programs led audiences through a spiritual journey of pagninilay, pag-ibig, at pag-asa—all centered on Christ’s enduring love.
A Life of Service and Compassion: Patungong Langit
JesCom’s Holy Week lineup began on Palm Sunday, April 13th, with Patungong Langit: Ang Buhay ni Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, a moving documentary co-produced with the Office for the Promotion of the New Evangelization (OPNE). Audiences came to know “Lolo Dency” not only as the esteemed former Manila Archbishop but as a humble shepherd whose courage, deep faith, and heart for the poor shaped countless lives and communities.
Holy Wednesday Reflections: Music, Word, and Witness
On Holy Wednesday, April 16th, Verses & Voices: A Lenten Special brought comfort and inspiration through soul-stirring songs and spiritual reflections. Featured performances of beloved JMM hymns such as Halina, Lumapit Sa Akin and Pieta (Oyayi sa Paanan ni Hesus) invited viewers to rest in the Lord’s presence and meditate on the sorrow of the Cross.
Through readings and reflections from JesCom’s publications, including a meditation inspired by Fr. Arnel Aquino SJ’s book But Only Say the Word, the program presented by JesCom Exclusives encouraged audiences to walk together in hope, while relishing the invitation to stillness and surrender.
That same evening, The Word Exposed online recollection, The Old is Gone!, with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, urged the faithful to embrace renewal in Christ and to become witnesses of truth, compassion, and mission.
With his powerful insights—“Let the truth simply shine!” and “Prepare yourself for building bridges!”—Cardinal Tagle reminded viewers that to be in Christ is to be a new creation: free from fear, open to truth, and fully alive in mission.
Himig Panalangin: A Symphony of Faith
Black Saturday, April 19th, marked the 19th edition of JesCom’s longtime tradition of acclaimed Holy Week TV specials, with Himig Panalangin, airing on GMA-7 and later on the JesComTV YouTube channel. This year’s documentary explored the transformative power of sacred music in Filipino faith life.
Himig Panalangin featured the stories of a convict turned composer, a devoted chorister battling illness, and an OFW choir leader. Their testimonies prove how music becomes both prayer and refuge, especially in times of struggle. The documentary also paid tribute to the “Father of Filipino Liturgical Music,” Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ, and national artist Lucio San Pedro, whose melodies continue to inspire worship across generations.
With testimonials from Cardinal Chito Tagle, Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, and Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ, Himig Panalangin also invited audiences to deeply reflect on the transformative power of sacred song.
Coupled with heartfelt performances by the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Bukas Palad, Banda Uno, and the Pansol Choir, Himig Panalangin was both a celebration and call to find God in every note, every lyric, and every act of love.
Carrying the Mission Forward
Through rich storytelling, prayerful song, and profound reflection, JesCom’s offerings this Holy Week 2025 once again helped audiences in their journey with Our Lord—from suffering to resurrection—with renewed hope and deeper faith.
As another year of uplifting Lenten programming comes to an end, JesCom is most grateful to have fulfilled its humble mission once again—to evangelize, uplift, and accompany the faithful through meaningful media.
(AMDG)
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