Sumaating lahat nawa ang tunay na kahulugan ng Pasko ng pagkabuhay ng panginoong Hesukristo upang magsilbing inspirasyon sa higit na maalab na pag-ibig at pagtulong sa kapwa.

Today we rise from the sadness of Lent to the joy of Easter and the risen Christ. Jesus suffered and died for us to give light and hope to our lives, and to bring happiness and salvation to the faithful of the world. In the agony of the crucifixion, we learn the meaning of the crown of thorns and the cross of Calvary. In the mystery and power of the resurrection, we realize the meaning of human redemption and salvation.

Indeed, Easter is not only the culminating point of the entire Christian ecclesiastical year. It is the most liberating of all the mysteries of the faith because it offers us a profound truth: that after death there is a new life and that in the many struggles and hardships on earth, rebirth and renewal await all of us.

Let us accept the meaning and the mystery of Easter, which is no less valid for entire nations than for individuals who must constantly face new challenges and crises. With Easter, we realize that with despair comes hope, with defeat comes victory, with death comes life.

Let Easter awaken in us the best and the worthiest qualities of the human character — goodness, charity, unity, peace, faith, hope and love. These are the qualities that will strengthen our capability to overcome the challenges of family problems, community development, nation-building and global competitiveness. Henceforth, let the Easter spirit of renewal brighten our lives and make us truly feel and move as one people and one nation.

Hinahangad ko ang isang tunay na makabuluhang Pasko ng pagkabuhay sa bawa’t pamilyang Pilipino at sa buong sambayanan.

Salamat po sa inyong lahat.