Filipinos mark Good Friday by praying for end to Mideast conflict

Filipino Catholics at the Manila Cathedral on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. Photo by Allison Co, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — As Filipino Catholics reflected on the final moments of Jesus Christ's life on Good Friday, they offered prayers not only for themselves but also for others around the world, including those affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has contributed to rising fuel prices in the country.

Ogie Laderas, a senior citizen, shared that he prayed fo his health and an end to the war.

"Sana matigil na 'yong giyera sa Middle East. Kasi baka maubusan na tayong gasolina at [liquefied petroleum gas]," said Laderas, who opted to ride a bicycle while visiting churches for Visita Iglesia during Holy Week.

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Lito Peña said he and his family, who hail from Batangas, regularly visit churches every Good Friday to participate in the Stations of the Cross. This year, he also included in his prayers the safe delivery of his first grandchild.

Outside of his family, Peña also offered prayers for government officials as the country continued to face challenges.

“Kasama ito sa prayer din namin individually and also we are part of the community that we pray for our country. And also, pinaka-ano talaga rito, kasama rito is we pray for all the yung mga namumuno sa ating bansa,” he said. “Dapat, sabi nga, 'yong iba kung kailangan maliwanagan na, maliwanagan na they need to serve the Philippine people talaga.”

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The family of Andrea Rambines, composed of 20 members including children, also left their home as early as 3 a.m. to go to the Manila Cathedral and join the Stations of the Cross.

"For my family, of course, sana lahat, lagi kaming nagmamahalan, lahat kami magkakasama, lahat kami okay, kahit mayroon kaming ups and downs. There will always be ups and downs within the family, especially with a big family. Pero with my family, sana lahat kami, kahit papaano sa downs na 'yon, magkakasama kami, tulungan at gawa natin solusyonan 'yong problema namin,” she shared.

The Stations of the Cross devotion is a long-standing Catholic tradition in which the faithful pray at each of the 14 stations, beginning with Jesus Christ’s condemnation by Pontius Pilate and ending with His burial.

FROM THE ARCHIVES