CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (April 1) — In the predominantly Muslim Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the approach of Holy Week is marked not only by solemn Catholic rites, but by quiet, lived expressions of respect across faith lines.
For Catholic believers, Lent or Cuaresma signals a period of reflection, sacrifice, and renewal. But for Nora Ramirez, a teacher and chapel lay volunteer in Cotabato City, the season carries a deeper, everyday meaning—one shaped by coexistence.
Here, faith is not practiced in isolation.
It is seen when neighbors of different beliefs adjust, accommodate, and show up for one another in small but meaningful ways—whether through shared spaces, mutual respect during prayer times, or simple acts of kindness that cut across religious identity.
Ramirez said Lent is ultimately a reminder of God’s love—and of the call to extend that same love to others, regardless of faith.
For her, the commandment to “love your neighbor” is not abstract. It is lived daily, especially in a region where diversity is the norm. Faith, she said, is measured not just in prayer or ritual, but in action—through generosity, patience, and restraint.
In BARMM, those actions take on added weight.
Practicing kindness in moments of tension, choosing understanding over judgment, and maintaining calm amid challenges are, for Ramirez, just as important as fasting or attending Mass.
Lent, she said, pushes Catholics to move beyond routine observance and toward meaningful sacrifice—sharing what one has, forgiving others, and choosing compassion even when it is difficult.
“Kung ang Diyos ay nag-alay ng kanyang buhay para sa atin, dapat din tayong magsakripisyo para sa kapwa sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong, pagbibigay, at pag-unawa,” she said.
Even as Catholic communities prepare for processions, prayers, and church activities, these observances unfold alongside the rhythms of another faith. The result is not division, but a delicate balance—one sustained by mutual respect.
For Ramirez, joining Masses and Holy Week activities remains essential. But just as vital is how that faith is carried beyond church walls—into homes, classrooms, and communities where differences are part of daily life.
As Holy Week nears, her reflection sharpens a familiar message: Lent is not just a season to observe.
In BARMM, it is a test of how faith is lived—together.
