YOU GOTTA HAVE FAITH
So this is Easter Sunday … for many secular folks, a day for overindulging in chocolate, lavishly lunching with loved ones, and basking in the languor of a long weekend. For Christians, of course, it is the culmination of a week of solemnity as the events leading up to Jesus’ death by crucifixion are observed. Today, one of the most important days on the liturgical calendar, commemorates Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
Our picture shows a square in Vatican City, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, which would typically be standing-room-only today as worshippers come for the special mass given by Pope Francis, followed by his traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing “to the city and to the world”.
In fact, the image marks a rare moment in late March when the Pope broke with tradition to give the blessing — usually reserved for Christmas Day and Easter Sunday — in response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. He stands alone under a canopy in front of St Peter’s Basilica, rain falling, as he gives the address to an empty square.
With crowds being impossible, Pope Francis has continued to conduct all of the Holy Week rites — starting with last week’s Palm Sunday — “without the presence of the faithful”, according to Vatican News. Last week, only a few bishops, nuns and aides were present in the basilica — staggered apart to abide by social-distancing restrictions. The ceremonies have all been live-streamed, however, and today is no different. The Easter Sunday mass can be attended via the Vatican Media YouTube channel, as well as on Facebook. It starts at 11am in Rome (same time in SA), and will be followed by the Urbi et Orbi blessing. The Vatican’s YouTube channel ( search for Vatican Media Live), incidentally, broadcasts constantly, so you can pop in any time and catch a prayer, or quite often just a webcam view of the square.
Judaism, meanwhile, is in the midst of Passover, which commemorates the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Wednesday marked the first night of the festival, the Seder, a feast to remember the Israelites’ liberation from bondage in ancient Egypt. Usually it involves the coming together of multiple generations of families for readings, prayers and food.
Under restrictions this year, many families were set to gather by Zoom, and again on Pesach, the last day of Passover, this Thursday. Whichever holiday you celebrate, let’s remember that they are all ultimately about resilience and overcoming. We wish you a safe and happy one.
To stand a chance of winning R500, tell us the name of the square. E-mail before noon on Tuesday April travelquiz@sundaytimes.co.za 14. Last week’s winner is Robbie Malema of Soshanguve, Gauteng. The correct answer was East Lake Cherry Blossom Park.