Rédaction Africa Links 24 with lexpress
Published on 2024-03-25 02:50:00
This week, the Christian community enters a period of reflection to commemorate the sufferings endured by Christ until his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Catholics and Protestants, although adopting distinct practices to celebrate this event, unite in the belief that Easter is the central pillar of the Christian faith.
Churches were packed yesterday on Palm Sunday. According to Catholic tradition, worshipers bring branches to be blessed by priests, then take them home to place with other religious icons. This celebration commemorates Christ’s “triumphant” entry into Jerusalem, six days before the Jewish Passover. Biblical accounts tell of his arrival on a donkey, welcomed by the crowd waving palm branches, almost like a king.
The beginning of Holy Week is an opportunity for Christians to meditate on the last days of Christ’s earthly life, from his entry into Jerusalem to his death on Good Friday. For the FJKM, Holy Saturday is a day of silence and meditation on the Passion and death of Christ, as well as his descent into hell, awaiting his resurrection, observed through fasting and prayer. For Catholics, Holy Week concludes with the Easter Vigil, on the night of Holy Saturday, a time for the baptism of new believers.
“This week is important for Christians,” explains Pastor Jasoa Rakotomahandry of the FJKM Ambohitrombihavana church. Many rearrange their schedules to attend Mass. “Without this commemoration, we lose sight of Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation,” he says. Malalatiana, a member of this church, expresses her commitment: “God sacrificed his only Son for us. Devoting time to him is the least I can do.”
Daily Masses are scheduled at the FJKM until Friday, while Catholics will resume celebrations on Wednesday with the Chrism Mass. This ceremony allows bishops and priests to consecrate the holy chrism, bless the oils, and renew their priestly promises, followed by celebrations on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
Easter, the climax of Holy Week, will see religious leaders and pastors dressed in white, the color of resurrection. They will preach about the victory and resurrection of Christ, as well as the renewal of God’s covenant with humanity. “It is also an opportunity for Christians to renew their covenant with God,” affirms Pastor Rakotomahandry.
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