Kochi, 05 April (H.S.):Christians across the globe celebrated Easter on Sunday, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ with prayers, reflection, and community gatherings.

Churches across Kerala witnessed special services as devotees ushered in the festival following the solemn observance of the 50-day Lent period.

In the state, major Easter liturgical celebrations were held in churches and cathedrals, with large numbers of faithful attending early morning masses

. At Mount St. Thomas in Kakkanad, the headquarters of the Syro-Malabar Church, Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil led the Easter Holy Mass, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the occasion.

Easter, which marks the culmination of weeks of fasting, prayer, and sacrifice, is regarded as a symbol of renewal and new beginnings. For believers, the festival represents the triumph of life over death and hope over despair.

The faithful consider it a moment to embrace spiritual transformation after the period of penance during Lent.

Alongside religious observances, Easter is also a time for social bonding, with families and communities coming together to celebrate the occasion. The day is widely seen as a message of hope for humanity, reminding people that suffering and hardship are not permanent, and that a new dawn of victory and peace is always possible.

Delivering his Easter message at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the enduring power of love over hatred and division. In his first Easter address since assuming office, he stated that God responds to the harshness of sin with love, which heals, unites, and restores life. He called upon people to reject hatred and embrace compassion, peace, and brotherhood.

Easter continues to inspire millions around the world with its message of resilience, unity, and the promise of a renewed life.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman