The traditional Pabasa officially began at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Quezon City, marking a solemn and meaningful start to the Holy Week observances.

The Pabasa ng Pasyon is a cherished Filipino Catholic tradition that involves the continuous chanting or reading of the Pasyon—an epic narrative poem recounting the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Typically done in a communal setting, the Pabasa is often held in homes or chapels, with families and volunteers taking turns reading aloud from the early hours of the morning until night, sometimes even lasting for 24 hours straight.

Rooted in Spanish colonial influence and first popularized in the 1700s, this practice has endured across centuries as a form of both devotion and oral storytelling. It serves as a reflective spiritual exercise, encouraging the faithful to contemplate the sacrifices of Christ and to prepare their hearts for the celebration of Easter.

At the National Shrine, the opening of the Pabasa draws a mix of devoted parishioners, youth volunteers, and elder faithful, all joining in this communal act of worship. The practice continues to inspire unity, faith, and reverence—especially in the heart of Lent.