Together in spirit

While an excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast is hard to look past, Father Christian Saminal has shared the true meaning of Easter and why it has never been more important.

Fr Saminal is the Parish Priest at Albany’s Holy Family Catholic Parish.

In the Catholic religion, today is Holy Thursday, marking the commemoration of the Last Supper.

Tomorrow is Good Friday, when Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Easter Sunday is a celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

Whether you are Christian or not, Fr Saminal said the Easter story had lessons everyone could take on board as they dealt with the COVID-19 crisis.

He said the resurrection, and hope of a new life, could help people stay positive about the future.

“The real essence of the celebration is that we focus particularly not just on the crucifixion, but to perfectly understand that after resurrection there is still a resurrection,” Fr Saminal said.

“Especially during this time, in this pandemic, our life doesn’t stop just because of this miserable thing that is going on around us.

“We should always look beyond that. A better day will come because we don’t just simply stop on the cross, we go beyond that.”

While this year’s Easter services cannot be held in the traditional way, many churches — including Father Saminal’s — will be live-streaming to worshippers.

“The level of anxiety is so high at this moment, not only for the fear of the pandemic but because of the uncertainties and isolation, but the faith helps us understand that we aren’t journeying alone,” Fr Saminal said. “We might be separated physically, but in spirit we are all in this together.”