‘Siete Palabras 2013’ adapts ‘new media,’ reaches out to Filipinos abroad

Cultural presentation during the Siete Palabras program

A KEY Lenten program on Philippine TV, “Siete Palabras”—the communal recitation of the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ, which are accompanied by reflections from priests and testimonies from lay people—is an experience  Filipinos overseas surely miss during the Holy Week, said a Dominican priest who had directed the program for half a decade now.

“In the past years, we have received requests from Filipinos abroad to make the program available to them because, even if they are no longer in the Philippines, they still desire to be one with us in celebrating the Holy Week,” said Christopher Jeffrey Aytona, OP, assistant director of the Social Communications Division of the Institute of Preaching.

Siete Palabras, showcase of Filipino culture and faith, on April 6

A Filipino Dominican leading the faithful in prayer during Siete Palabras

The annual Siete Palabras at the historic Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, which has become a key Lenten broadcast on Philippine TV, will be on Good Friday, April 6.

‘Siete Palabras’on TV: A Lenten ritual, spectacle

In the broadcast coverage this year will be testimonials of faith from multi-awarded movie director Marilou Diaz-Abaya and CNN Hero of the Year Efren Penaflorida

Dominican priest delivers his reflection for the Siete Palabras.

NOW ON ITS 15TH YEAR, the “Siete Palabras” at the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City has become the key Lenten program on Philippine TV.

The program broadcasts the annual Good Friday sermons by the Dominican fathers of the Santo Domingo Convent on the Seven Last Words of Christ.

In an interview, Fr. Sonny Ramirez, OP, one of the pioneer homilists of the program, said “Siete Palabras” is “most inspiring” because it motivates rather than just entertains its audience.

Christ’s last words ring true

CHRIST’S horrific death should gloriously conquer the world.

This is the message of Siete Palabras, the Catholic tradition during the Lenten Season of reciting the Seven Last Words of Christ before His death, said Fr. Nilo Lardizabal, O.P., provincial secretary and Siete Palabras 2009 host.

“Horrific because we saw in it the anguish and pain of someone who loved us yet we fail to love that person back in many instances,” Lardizabal said in an e-mail. “Glorious because it was through such death that he conquered the sin of the world.”

He added that these words encourage Christians to embark on a journey that even Christ took toward Resurrection.