Easter

On the holiday of Easter, Christians all around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. By resurrecting, Jesus conquered death and sin, redeemed the human race with his death on the cross. The risen Christ is the light of truth that transforms hearts and people's lives i gives them Hope of eternal life. In waiting for this greatest Christian holiday, believers prepare themselves through 40 days of Lent which begins with Ash Wednesday. Through the time of Lent, believers take the time to dedicate themselves to prayers, fast and the sacrament of Holy Confession so that in peace with the Lord and everyone else, they may celebrate Easter as joyful as possible.
The Holy week, the week before Easter, begins with the Sunday of Lord's suffering or palm Sunday when Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem was celebrated, when olive or palm branches are carried to be blessed. Then follows Maundy Thursday, remembering Jesus' last supper with the apostles, and celebrating and reviving the Eucharist and clerical order. Believers on Holy Friday gather in churches contemplating about Jesus' sufferings and death. Holy Saturday is a day of silence, a day of not only expecting Jesus' resurrection but also our return to the open arms of our merciful Father. Pope Francis in one of his reflections on Jesus' sufferings says: "Through his Crucifixion he does not teach us of failure and defeat, but of death that is life, that creates life, because he speaks to us about a Love that is embodied in God, a love that does not die, but on the contrary, conquers evil and death.“ (Željka Šaravanja)