EASTER CELEBRATION A tableau depicting the firstMass officiated by Fr. Pedro de Valderrama,
chaplain of the Spanish fleet, on Easter Sunday on March 31, 1521, is built atMagellan Shrine as a
reminder of the important role of Limasawa Island in the history of the Philippines and the Catholic
Church in the country. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISMIN EASTERN VISAYAS)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. enjoined Filipino Roman Catholics to let Easter Sunday pave the way for renewal and recovery.
In a statement, Marcos urged the the faithful “to pause and give thanks for the opportunity for renewal and recovery as we push through our quest for genuine unity and progress for all.”
“Indeed, Easter teaches us that as long as we live our life in Christ, love and hope will remain ever so boundless and will be the cornerstone for the positive transformation in our society,” said Marcos.
“Jesus Christ’s resurrection not only affirms our deepest faith but also signifies a new birth for all the faithful who walk and be granted eternal salvation,” he added.
He pointed out the Christ’s selfless and unconditional love, which he said empowered the faithful to conquer both sin and death, allowed them “to deepen our relationship with God and become worthy Christians in this earthly journey.”
“Today, we are witnesses to the triumph of the Resurrection of our Savior that inspires us to be stewards of faith and compassion no matter the circumstances. As we celebrate the magnificent glory of our risen Savior, let us all take into heart this Christian foundation as we work for and welcome better days for ourselves, our families and our neighbors as well,” he added.