Jesuit Communications (JESCOM) LENTEN TV SPECIALS ON TV5

Jesuit Communications (JESCOM) LENTEN TV SPECIALS ON TV5 (formerly from CNN Philippines (now RPTV))

TV5 takes viewers to three-day spiritual journey

Instead of completely going off the air on Good Friday from (2014 to 2026), TV5 (formerly ABC-5) observes the most solemn days of Holy Week with unique programs that will help viewers keep the week holy. TV5 (formerly ABC-5) has packaged a three-day spiritual journey that promisesto be inspiring and enlightening.

The Lenten package's main attraction is a reality show with a subject never before explored on TV, a one-day holy retreat. It also includes live liturgical services, short films, docus,musicals, music videos and testimonials.

TV5 (formerly ABC-5) has partnered with the Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc. (JesCom) for this special Lenten offering.

"Spiritual Journey" follows eight young adults, four males and four females, of diverse interests and backgrounds who get cloistered from the outside world for a three day retreat at the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches, Quezon City across the La Mesa Dam.The novitiate is a 74-year-old Jesuit facility secluded by ancient trees on rolling hills spread over a hundred hectares.

The eight youths live, pray, reflect, share, cry, laugh, discover new selves together as they take the journey one day at a time. They go on a Station of the Cross at the San Francisco del Monte grotto, they hold their graduation and are joined by their families in the shade of a hundred year old tree. They swear to continue the friendship forged at the Novitiate. The six-hour reality show will air two hours a day at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Good Friday (April 18).

Three short films/docu dramas produced by Jescom are also scheduled over the three days starting with "Kunin Mo O Diyos"(6 to 7 a.m. on April 18).The musical drama features an all star cast : Joel Torre as narrator; Christian Bautista as Jesus; Cooky Chua as Mary; Noel Cabangon as Judas and Cathy Azanza as Mary Magdalene. Dramatized segments combine narratives and musical interludes depicting how Christrians should face the burdens in their lives with Jesus by

their side. The cast gave powerful musical performances.

"Huling Habilin" (7 to 8 a.m. on Good Friday, April 18) will be led by "lay preacher in blue jeans" and best selling author Bo Sanchez; Fr. Ted Gonzales, SJ; Alvin Barcelona, a Kerygma preacher; and Rizza Singson, editor of Krygma. Bo Sanchez also hosts this one hour of narratives, videos and songs that dramatize the true meaning of Christ's suffering for man's salvation. Music compositions of Jesuit fathers Manoling Francisco, Arnel Aquino and Nemy Que are interpreted by May Bayo, Cooky Chua and Noel Cabangon.

In "Huwag Mangamba" (8 to 9 a.m. on Good Friday, April 18), an urban poor activist, and a cancer survivor and wife of a member of the Apo Hiking Society share their compelling story of how they overcame trials and suffering when they offered their tribulationsto God. Bishop Chito Tagle of Imus, Cavite and Jesuit Brother Nono Alfonso of the Loyola House of Studies are commentators.

Testimonials are accompanied by musical interpretations of songs composed by Manoling Francisco, SJ and Arnel Aquino, SJ.

Viewers can also participate from their homes in the traditional Holy Week religious services, all of which will be broadcast live from the Church of Gesu at the Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Catch The Lord's Supper Mass, 7 to 8 p.m. and Veneration of the Cross, 5 to 6 p.m., on Good Friday.

The Lenten package also includes back to back documentaries on April 18, 7 to 8 p.m., on the life and apostolic preachings of St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei, a mobilization of Christians leading holy lives who sacrifice willingly for others. The docus cover glimpses of what are called "intense catecheses" Escriva's preaching tour in early 1974 in Brazil, Spain, Argentina and Peru. Escriva died in 1975 and was canonized in 2002 in Rome. Eighty thousand signed accounts of spiritual and material favors are attributed to him.

The schedule also includes "The Passion" from Familyland Apostolate for Family Consecration on Good Friday (3 to 4 p.m.) and the four-hour movie "Jesus" which traces the life, passion and resurrection of Christ scheduled on Good Friday from 9 to 11 p.m.

This is not the first time TV5 has introduced religious content into its programming. Last year, TV5 (formerly ABC-5) aired "Simbang Gabi" live for nine consecutive nights leading up to Christmas. TV5 (formerly ABC-5) also introduced a religious block on Sundays starting at 6 a.m. with "Soul Mix," inspiration and gospel music from the collection of the Jesuit Music Ministry, followed by bible reflection in "Word Made Flesh" at 7 a.m., children's spiritual gathering in "The Meeting Place" at 7:30 a.m. and Holy Mass at 8 a.m. Capping Sunday is "Light Talk" at 11 p.m. Hosted by Bishop Chito Tagle, the talk show tackles topics and issues relevant to today's modern Catholics.

TV5 is partnership with Jesuit Communications Foundation on Holy Week