‘Easter a cause to celebrate just like Christmas’
Easter Sunday should be celebrated with as much joy as Christmas since it marks the end of darkness and the start of new life with Jesus Christ, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said yesterday.
The 63-year-old prelate celebrated the Blessing of Fire and Water at the Easter vigil in the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral on Saturday evening.
“People easily understand and experience Christmas, how and when Christ is born unlike the Eastern season in which people do not even experience, learn, and celebrate when Christ is resurrected,” he said.
Last Saturday’s service started with the lighting of a flame which travelled down a string from the belfry of the cathedral to a charcoal stand below. From there, the Easter candle was lighted.
The Easter candle was dipped in a large vat of water which was blessed.
During the Mass, the faithful recited the renewal of their baptismal commitment as the priests sprinkled holy water.
In his homily, Palma said Easter should draw the faithful to reflecting on the spiritual significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“People nowadays take many things for granted. Those who do not find God are burdened with problems and unable to experience joy,” he said. Correspondent Michelle Joy L. Padayhag
