The Easter season is one of the most sacred and significant moments in the Catholic liturgical calendar. It is a time of renewal, rejoicing and reflection, during which the faithful celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the definitive victory over sin and death. During these days, we offer a sacrifice of praise to the Father who raised his Son from the dead. We are called to be attentive to the life that Christ offers us, Christ our Paschal Lamb who has been sacrificed.
The resurrection of Christ is the center of our faith as Catholics. It reminds us that life triumphs over death, that God’s love is stronger than any other force in the universe. This transformative truth calls us to live our lives with joy and hope, knowing that we are unconditionally loved by our heavenly Father.
DEACON MODESTO CORDERO. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
During the Easter Vigil, a special ritual marks the beginning of Easter: the blessing of the Paschal Candle, a large candle symbolizing the risen Christ, the “Light of the World”. This candle, adorned with a cross and the Greek letters alpha and omega, is lit during the Vigil and remains lit throughout the Easter season. Its light represents the presence of the risen Christ among us and reminds us that He is the light that guides our steps in the darkness.
During the Easter Vigil, we also welcome new Catholics to our faith community. The Elect become known as Neophytes and are fully initiated into our faith by receiving the sacraments of initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. They are welcomed into the large community of Catholics with joy and hope, symbolizing the new life and death and rebirth that Easter represents.
In the Easter Mass, one of the most important practices is the renewal of baptismal promises. It is a moment when the faithful reaffirm their commitment to the faith and renew their commitment to follow Jesus as disciples.
This act is filled with profound spiritual significance and love, calling us to remember our baptisms and renew our relationship with Christ through our participation in his death and resurrection. The celebration of Easter is also marked by rooted family traditions.
Family dinners are common, where special meals are shared, and the company of loved ones is enjoyed. These moments not only strengthen family bonds but also remind us of the importance of community and communion.
Another popular practice during Easter is the decoration and search for Easter eggs. Eggs symbolize new life and resurrection, reminding us of Christ’s victory over death. This tradition dates back centuries and has become an iconic symbol of Easter celebration in many cultures.
The Easter Bunny, although not strictly of religious origin, has been adopted in some Catholic communities as a symbol of fertility and renewal. It is said that the bunny brings Easter eggs, thus transmitting the message of new life and hope that characterizes this season.
The Easter season is a time of profound joy and renewal for Catholics worldwide. Through our practices of faith, our family gatherings and our liturgical celebrations, we celebrate the victory of Christ over sin and death and renew our commitment to follow Him as disciples. May this Easter season inspire us to live our lives with renewal faith and to share the love and hope of Christ with the world around us.
Happy Easter!