ALTAR OF REPOSE 2016: HOLY WEEK IN ZAMBOANGA CITY

ALTAR OF REPOSE
from: Wikipedia

The altar of repose is an altar where the Communion hosts consecrated on Maundy Thursday during the Mass of the Lord's Supper are placed, or "reserved", for use on the following day, Good Friday. The altar can be found in Roman Catholic, Anglican (especially Anglo-Catholic), and someLutheran churches. Good Friday is the day on which the death of Christ is observed. His Resurrection is not observed until Easter Sunday and the anticipatory Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. Between the time of his death and resurrection, mass is not celebrated, and so communion hosts cannot be consecrated. Any hosts used on Good Friday must have been consecrated previously

from: EWTN.com

The place of reposition should be as beautiful as possible and should be sufficiently prominent so as to allow for adoration, even by large groups, following the Mass of the Lord's Supper.

In 1988 the Holy See published "Paschales Solemnitatis," a "Circular Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts." 

No. 49 of this document refers to our topic: "For the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament, a place should be prepared and adorned in such a way as to be conducive to prayer and meditation, seriousness appropriate to the liturgy of these days is enjoined so that all abuses are avoided or suppressed. 

The altar of repose need not be a real altar and is often a temporary structure. In some places it is customary to make the place of reposition resemble an altar while others prefer locating the tabernacle on a column to make it stand out more clearly. 

The decoration of the altar of repose should be special, At least four or six candles or lamps, and preferably more, should burn around it and should be tastefully arranged with flowers, drapes, fine cloths, carpets and a judicious use of subdued electric lighting in order to create the necessary ambiance of silence and meditation.

In those countries where it is possible, wheat stalks and young olive trees may also be incorporated into the decoration in order to evoke the themes of Eucharist and the garden of Gethsemane. 

"Paschales Solemnitatis," No. 55, reflecting the liturgical reform, specifies: "The place where the tabernacle or pyx is situated must not be made to resemble a tomb, and the expression 'tomb' is to be avoided. The chapel of repose is not prepared so as to represent the 'Lord's burial' but for the custody of the eucharistic bread that will be distributed in Communion on Good Friday."

Any crosses or images that might be behind the tabernacle should be concealed using curtains or drapes of white, gold or some similar hue so that nothing distracts from the tabernacle. 

from: Sancta Missa

I would like to share the Altar of Repose in some of the parishes here in Zamboanga City. Many of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga parish priests are very talented and more so, supported by very entusiastic and creative friends and parishioners.

METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

La Purisima, Zamboanga City
Parish Priests: Most Rev. Romulo Dela Cruz D.D. (Archbishop)
                         Fr. Moises Cuevas

before completion (Photo credits: Alan B. Dela Cruz)

Photo credits: Alan B. Dela Cruz

Photo credits: Alan B. Dela Cruz

Photo credits: Alan B. Dela Cruz

OUR LADY OF PURIFICATION PARISH
Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City
Parish Priest: Fr. Ferdinand Candido

Photo credits: Alan B. Dela Cruz

Photo credits: Alan B. Dela Cruz

Thank you very to Alan B. Dela Cruz for the creation of the Altar of Repose of the MCIC and Sta. Maria Parish in coordination with their respective parish priests. 

ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA PARISH
Tetuan, Zamboanga City
Parish Priest: Fr. Sulpicio Soliva

Photo Credits: Lilibeth Luna / Marlo Luna FB

Photo Credits: Lilibeth Luna / Marlo Luna FB

ST. ANTHONY DE PADUA PARISH
Putik, Zamboanga City
Parish Priest: Fr. Francis Jacinto

Photo credits: Fr. Francis Jacinto

Photo Credit: Patricia Rochella Borgonia / Che Real FB

OUR LADY OF RANSOM PARISH
Mercedes, Zamboanga City
Parish Priest: Fr. Adriano Ruiz Jr.

Our Repository for tonight's vigil...At Mercedes Parish...idea,talent and done by our Parish Priest-Fr.Adriano Ruiz Jr. (Photo Credit: Estrellita Mancao FB)

Photo Credit: Estrellita Mancao FB

HOLY TRINITY PARISH
Pasonanca, Zamboanga City
Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Ufana

This is repository in Pasonanca Church the group of Raymond has done this thank you Father God for this beautiful place were you be adore by your people.....Fr. Michael Ufana

Photo Credit: Mhond Asana Rabanal FB

OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP PARISH

Guiwan, Zamboanga City

Parish Priest: Fr. Marciano Villagracia

Photo Credit: Vincez Cabato FB

Photo Credit: Patricia Rochella Borgonia / Che Real FB

ST. JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY PARISH
Nunez Street, Zamboanga City
Parish Priest: Msgr. Crisologo Manongas

Photo Credit: Patricia Rochella Borgonia / Che Real FB

OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION PARISH

Culianan, Zamboanga City

Photo Credit: Vincez Cabato FB

OUR LADY OF MANAOAG PARISH
Tumaga, Zamboanga City

Photo Credit: Paul Mervin Iglesias 

SAN ANTONIO MARIA CLARET PARISH
San Jose, Zamboanga City

Photo Credit: Patricia Rochella Borgonia / Che Real FB

OUR LADY OF CARMEL PARISH
R.T. Lim Boulevard, Zamboanga City

Photo Credit: Patricia Rochella Borgonia / Che Real FB

These beautiful and solemn places of reposition inspire us for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this Maundy Thursday of Holy Week 2016!

P.S. The intent of this blog is for thanksgiving, sharing and for appreciation of beautiful expressions for the Blessed Sacrament during Holy Week. Considering this is a holy place, these are not for comparison nor assessment of each design. Other parishes are not included because I don't have access to photos from these parishes, but would gladly include them if given the chance.