Negros Occidental religious and government officials celebrated Easter Sunday, April 17, by reminding everyone that because Christ lives there in hope amid the numerous uncertainties that prevail today.
“Christ is alive, and he lives in us. With such certainty, we know that all shall be well”, Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon said in his Sunday homily.
The bishop said the world faces a disturbing uncertainty not only of its future, but of its very existence amid climate change.
The uncertainly of our country makes us shudder when we think that its future hangs on the kind of men and women we choose on election day, he also said.
But because Christ is alive we have more than hope, we have certainty, Buzon said.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said “Lent is a time to remember and honor the greatest sacrifice our Savior Jesus Christ did for us. It is a time to answer God’s invitation for us to return to him in humility and submission”.
On Resurrection Day, despite certain uncertainties caused by the pandemic, calamities, and other uncontrollable circumstances, Lacson said “we rejoice and celebrate the triumph of faith over doubt and of hope over despair”.
Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said Christ’s Resurrection is the fulfillment of a promise for the salvation of humankind for those who believe in Him.
“Easter is a celebration of renewal of our faith, of strengthening our relationship with God and embracing with more resolve Church’s teachings to always follow his Commandments and spread the love,” he said.
Bacolod mayoral candidate Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said “We rejoice and celebrate the risen Christ. May the spirit of hope and change for the better that is the message of Easter reign in our hearts, as we welcome the blessings of a new life with the Lord”.*