On Thursday and Friday mornings, parishioners take part in one of the most beautiful traditions of the Catholic faith: visiting seven monuments in seven different churches. I used to make these visits in my native Puerto Rico.

Friend: Hey, Can. Are you planning to visit the seven churches tonight after Mass?
Me: Yes, I am. It would be better to go with friends; I don’t want to go alone.
Friend: Count on me. Which churches can we visit?
Me: That’s the least of our worries—there are many churches to choose from. The most important thing is to end up at our neighborhood church, and then we’ll eat pizza.
Friend: But we can’t eat meat today.
Me: Don’t worry about that. We can order a seafood pizza, or, if we don’t have enough money, a cheese pizza instead.
Friend: That sounds good to me. We should invite some members of the JAC (Catholic Youth Action), and we’ll have a wonderful time.
Me: No problem. Our first visit will be to San Juan’s Cathedral.

I remember with great affection that visiting the seven churches was an exceptional spiritual experience. Over the years, I made these visits with my wife—first when we were engaged and later after we were married. That tradition faded when we moved to the United States, where there aren’t as many Catholic churches close enough to visit seven in one night. Still, those moments remain beautiful memories. After finishing the visits, we would go to a pizza place, eat, joke around, and laugh together.

The next day is Good Friday. The traditions of Good Friday have changed over time. Although it remains a sacred day, practices and beliefs have evolved. The way my mother and her family prepared themselves was different from how people did when I was a child, and there is an even greater difference today. As my mother used to say, “Times change.”

Mother: Tomorrow is Holy Thursday, and the day after tomorrow is Good Friday.
Me: Yes, you don’t eat meat during Holy Week.
Mother: It wasn’t just about fasting from meat; we had other preparations as well.
Me: Really? Like what?
Mother: You couldn’t listen to loud music.
Me: What music would we hear now? Radio stations don’t even play popular songs. Only instrumental music is played on Thursday and Good Friday.
Mother: At least you could hear something. In my time, we couldn’t even listen to that.
Grandma: I couldn’t listen to music at all during Holy Week when I was a child.
Me: But Grandma, you didn’t even have a radio or a television.
Grandma: Don’t remind me! Still, we had live music back then, which you hardly hear anymore.
Mother: Mom, do you remember how we prepared food before Holy Thursday? We peeled and cooked everything in advance.
Grandma: How could I forget? I remember those days fondly. Those dishes—and the cod stew—tasted better than any delicacy.
Mother: Yes, dried cod, which is extremely expensive now. A pound costs almost five dollars.
Grandma: You’re right. People can barely afford it today. We didn’t have much, but I remember my youth with satisfaction, especially during Lent. My hens laid eggs every day.
Mother: I remember that. Now I have two hens, but they must not know what Lent is—they only lay eggs from time to time.
Grandma: The heat and drought are the same as ever, which reminds us that we’re still in the Lenten season.

Many traditions and customs have changed from my grandmother’s time to the present, especially in my country. Although people are still Christian and Catholic, religion is viewed and practiced differently. I don’t blame anyone—modern life and technology have changed us in many ways.

Daughter: Next week is my spring break. Where are we going?
Mother: I don’t know, sweetheart. You should ask your father—and remember, it’s Holy Week.
Daughter: But all my friends are going to the beach.
Mother: Your father is coming—ask him.
Father: Good afternoon. What are you plotting?
Daughter: Nothing! Next week is my spring break. Where are we going?
Father: I don’t know. I’d like to go to the beach. What do you think?
Daughter: That’s a perfect idea! Can I invite my friends?
Father: Sure, invite them.
Daughter: I’m calling them right now!
Mother: Don’t you remember that next week is Holy Week?
Father: Yes, I do. But I have a few days off and want to enjoy them. Don’t worry—we’re going to Holy Beach.

After Holy Saturday comes Easter Sunday, also called Resurrection Sunday. It is the most important celebration for Catholics. Through the Resurrection of Jesus, all Christian faith finds its meaning. It is a day when families gather to share food, conversation, and harmony. Easter Sunday marks the end of the Lenten season.

Inviting relatives or friends from afar is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen family and friendship bonds. Few people have the joy of living close to all their loved ones. Reuniting with family is one of life’s most precious experiences. We should take these moments to express our love and appreciation. Life is short, and opportunities to share happiness with those we love are limited. Easter is the perfect time to gather and celebrate a joyful Easter together.