Binabati ko ng isang masaya at makahulugang Linggo ng Pagkabuhay ang lahat ng ating mga kababayan at mga kapatiran sa ngalan ni Hesus!

Today we rise from the gloom of Lent to the rapture of Easter.

And Christ, who suffered and died for us, is risen once again from the grave in order to give light and hope to our lives, and to bring happiness and joy to the Christian faithful throughout the world.

Thus, we relearn the true meaning of Lent. In the agony of His crucifixion in Calvary, we appreciate the significance of the crown of thorns that was placed on His head, and the heavy cross that He carried on His shoulders. In the mystery and power of His resurrection, we discover the meaning of redemption and salvation.

Easter, then, is enthralling as it is revealing: it offers us a profound truth that there is life after death, and that in the many struggles and challenges of life, rebirth and renewal await all those who have faith.

As we marvel at the significance of Easter, and its relevance today, let us realize that suffering and agony are no less true for individuals as with nations and societies which must constantly struggle with defeat and victory, despair and hope, decay and regeneration, death and redemption.

Let Easter make us also think of the larger home that is the Filipino nation, and the entire human community that is our world.

May Easter also mean the rebirth of the best and the worthiest qualities like love, charity, peace, unity, faith and hope. By these we rise to our salvation and destiny.

Muli ang pagbati ko ng isang makahulugang Linggo ng Pagkabuhay sa inyong lahat, at pagpalain nawa tayong lahat ng Panginoon!