Ukamaka Okafor
Pope Francis has delivered a stirring message of hope, emphasising the victory of the Risen Christ over darkness and despair in an Easter Vigil homily at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City,
Addressing a congregation of approximately 6,000 people, the Pope urged believers to find solace in the promise of Easter, even amidst the most challenging circumstances.
“Despite the shadows that may envelop our world and the burdens we carry, the triumph belongs to the Risen Christ and to all who place their faith in Him,” declared Pope Francis during his homily.
The ceremony was marked by poignant moments, including the baptism, confirmation, and first Communion of eight adults hailing from various countries.
Pope Francis urges Christians to find joy and hope amidst personal and global crises during Easter Vigil in Rome.
Despite challenges like hatred, war, selfishness and indifference, he calls attention to Easter’s power to overcome these “boulders of death.”
Around 6,000… pic.twitter.com/2HKhLTBSpT
— Voice of Nigeria (@voiceofnigeria) March 31, 2024
Against the backdrop of St. Peter’s Basilica, Norbertine Brother Gerard Juhasz illuminated the darkness with the paschal candle, symbolizing the Light of Christ, and led the assembly in the solemn Easter proclamation.
Reflecting on the Gospel narrative of the women at Jesus’ tomb, Pope Francis highlighted the symbolic significance of the stone rolled away.
“That stone marked the apparent end of Jesus’ story, but it also represents the burdens and grief that weigh upon our hearts,” he explained. “Yet, when the women looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back, revealing the victory of life over death and the dawn of hope amidst despair.”
Furthermore, Pope Francis emphasized the universal relevance of Easter’s message of renewal and redemption.
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His words resonated beyond the confines of St. Peter’s Basilica, echoing in the sentiments expressed by Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese in Nigeria.
Archbishop Kaigama encouraged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Easter as a time for personal and spiritual growth, emphasizing the values of sacrificial love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Against the backdrop of intersecting Christian Lent and Muslim Ramadan, he called for interfaith dialogue and solidarity, emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding across religious divides.
Moreover, Archbishop Kaigama issued a poignant call to action, urging individuals to become beacons of hope in a world plagued by adversity and suffering.
He emphasised the imperative of advocating for justice and alleviating the plight of the marginalized, particularly in the face of escalating violence and economic hardships.
“In times of despair, Easter reminds us that God is present, working silently but steadfastly to bring about redemption and renewal,” Archbishop Kaigama affirmed. “Let us be agents of positive change, shining the light of Christ’s love in the darkest corners of our land.”
As Christians around the world celebrate Easter, Pope Francis and Archbishop Kaigama’s messages serve as beacons of hope, guiding believers towards a future filled with compassion, justice, and enduring faith.
