By GENALYN KABILING
As the nation celebrated Easter Sunday amid the coronavirus pandemic, President Duterte said that he is hopeful that people will find solace and strength as well as live with gratitude, humility, and kindness to those in need.
The President joined the Christian world in celebrating a joyful and meaningful Easter Sunday, saying the resurrection of Christ brings a message of “selfless love” and hope of better beginnings amid difficulties.
“The triumph of the risen Christ presents us all with hopeful assurance that even we face adversities, there is always hope of better and new beginnings. In this time of renewal, we are reminded of the grace that comes from selfless love that is able to transcend diverse cultures, faiths, backgrounds, and even circumstances,” Duterte said.
“May this occasion fills us with gladness and enable us to find solace and strength in the narrative of the Resurrection. I trust that its message of forgiveness will inspire us to live our days with gratitude and humility, with further acts of kindness and charity to our families, friends, and to those are most in need,” he said.
Roman Catholics celebrated Easter in a different way this year as church doors remained shut as people were advised to observe home quarantine to curb the spread of COVID-19. Traditions, however, were still observed as churches offered services online.
The pandemic, that has infected over a million people across the world, has caused great uncertainty and suffering for many people.
Duterte, however, said he hopes Easter will bring people “profound happiness and purpose” in building a better future for the nation.