“This evening ushers in the three holiest days in the Christian liturgical calendar, inviting more than two billion people around the globe to honour the ancient history of their faith.
“Good Friday commemorates the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ on the cross, who Christians believe took on the forces of sin and death, and won.
“On Holy Saturday, Christians keep solemn vigil as Christ’s disciples did, before the world knew how joyfully this story would end.
“Then comes Easter Sunday, bringing with it the joy of resurrection, and the culmination of every Christian’s stubborn hope that nothing, not even death, can separate Christ’s people from His love. As Pope St. John Paul II reminded us, ‘We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song.’
“I wish all Christians a blessed Easter as they respect the restrictions put in place to prevent COVID-19 from spreading among their church community and the community at large. May the spiritual meaning of the Paschal Feast renew their sense of hope now and always.
“Happy Easter!”