A message of hope marked the first Easter celebration of Cebu Archbishop Abet Uy, who urged the faithful to see the Resurrection as a reminder that suffering and uncertainty do not have the final word.
In his Easter Sunday message on April 5, Uy emphasized that Christ’s Resurrection affirms hope amid life’s struggles, including rising costs, uncertainty about work, and personal hardships faced by many families.
He said these burdens can make life feel heavy and painful, similar to the experience of Good Friday.
“Christ is risen—and because He lives, hope is alive,” Uy said.
The archbishop noted that many people today carry difficult challenges, including families coping with increasing expenses, workers anxious about their future, young people feeling pressured, and individuals dealing with illness, grief, or silent suffering.
Despite these realities, he stressed that Easter reminds believers that hardship is not the end.
Uy called on the faithful to live as people of the Resurrection by showing perseverance, forgiveness, and compassion, especially in times of uncertainty.
He encouraged believers to continue loving even after being hurt and to bring light in moments of darkness.
“In a world where many are losing hope, we are called to become bearers of hope,” he added.
Easter Sunday is the most important celebration in the Christian calendar, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead three days after his crucifixion.
It symbolizes victory over sin and death and serves as a message of hope, renewal, and new life. For Christians, Easter affirms that suffering is not the end and that faith brings the promise of redemption.
The day is often celebrated with Masses, joyful gatherings, and traditions that reflect the triumph of life over darkness.
Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter and commemorates the final days of Jesus Christ’s life, passion, death, and resurrection.
It begins with Palm Sunday, followed by Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday, then the Easter Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday.
During this period, the faithful reflect on sacrifice, repentance, and love, recalling Jesus’ suffering and death before celebrating the joy of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Photo from Archdioecese of Cebu
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