Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 17) — The situation at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila on Easter Sunday was reminiscent of pre-pandemic times, as mass attendees filled church premises.
In compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols, officials made sure that it was not crowded inside the church, providing spaces in between mass goers.
They fervently hoped that infections will remain under control, and prayed that a cure for the disease would finally be found so that their lives could go back to normal.
According to Fr. Douglas Badong, parochial vicar of the church, Easter should remind us about the miracle of the resurrection, on how Jesus Christ rose from the dead and proved that he was the Son of God.
“Nagsasabi ito sa atin na kaya rin natin bumangon muli sa mga naranasan nating pandemya, pagkalugmok, namatayan,” said Fr. Badong.
[Translation: Easter reminds us that we can also rise from challenges we have experienced during the pandemic, such as sadness and loss.]
This year’s Easter celebrations come amid the context of the coming contentious elections and Fr. Badong said it should be a time for people to contemplate and become enlightened in choosing the country’s right set of leaders.
“Nawa’y lahat po sa atin ito na sa nalalapit na halalan, piliin natin mamuhay sa katotohanan at ‘wag sa kasinungalingan,” said Fr. Badong.
[Translation: With the elections near, may everyone choose truth and honesty above all else.]
The church is also praying for peace amid the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine.
One of the key messages in the Easter homily was to be open in accepting changes in our lives and to continue to be kind to one another.
