On this Easter Sunday, I reaffirm our relentless spirit as Catholic Christians, which is evident in the ongoing worship and services worldwide amid the pandemic, whether in-person gathering or live-streamed. As I’ve always said, no pandemic or financial crisis could ever stop us from practicing and living our faith!
We have a strong Church, built on the shoulders of people who have gone before us and flourishing in the present time under our stewardship. We cannot let any catastrophe or trial extinguish the Light of Christ in Christian communities worldwide.
This is the Church we love—where you and your children receive the Sacraments and where we get spiritual nourishment.
This Easter, as we continue to deal with this pandemic, we never lose hope and faith in God. We continue to fulfill our commitment and mission to make our churches true Houses of Worship, where everyone feels at home, regardless of race, language, culture, age, and gender. We continue to be a beacon of life, joy, and hope to everyone.
We are here for each other in health, sickness, and death — through every crisis and challenge.
I am amazed and inspired to witness all those volunteers’ courageous and tireless efforts in different parishes involved in liturgy, liturgical ministries, technology and media ministry, bereavement ministry, and catechetical ministry social outreach, and others.
We have not only survived. We are thriving!
May this Easter Season bring you hope and joy in our faith in the Risen Christ! May it enlighten people’s hearts to end the evils of racism, hatred, inequality, and injustice. Amen. Alleluia!
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
