‘Let us all work toward unity this Easter and beyond’

Christians in the CNMI and throughout the world celebrated Easter Sunday yesterday, commemorating the resurrection of Christ and culminating the 40-day Lenten observance.

While many marked Easter Sunday with egg hunts and bunnies, a majority still maintained the solemnity of this miraculous occasion, with the faithful attending Mass to rejoice in Christ’s return to life.

The Diocese of Chalan Kanoa joined the island’s faithful in remembering the miracle of Easter, calling on the community to “work together toward unity” during Easter and throughout the year.

Fr. Ryan P. Jimenez, apostolic administrator for the diocese, said in his Easter message that efforts toward unity should begin at home, which he calls a mini-Church where values are initially formed with the help of parents.

Jimenez said that unity should spread in workplaces and the rest of the community. “The common good of the home, of the parishes, of the diocese, and of the [CNMI] are better achieved through the spread and practice of the Good News through unity.”

Yet Jimenez noted that spreading unity comes with challenges “and it is my prayer for all of us that through the hope of Christ and His teachings in our homes, we will work together to nurture and deepen our faith.”

In a separate statement, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial said he and Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos wish everyone in the islands a blessed and joyous Easter and greater health and success all through the year.

According to Fitial, Easter is “a celebration of new life and renewed hope” and urged everyone to “reflect not on the challenges we have faced, but on hope for a brighter tomorrow.”

“As families and friends gather in thanksgiving, it is my fervent hope that all our leaders will be reinvigorated by the spirit of renewal so that we may continue to work for the best interest of our community,” he added.

The observance of Lent on Saipan would not have been complete without the annual pilgrimage to Mt. Tapochao by thousands of Christian faithful on Good Friday.

This year, many of those who trudged the rock-strewn path to the island’s highest point came as early as 2am, with some doing the trail Thursday night to avoid the mass of walkers.

Friday’s weather was perfect for the trek, which was highlighted by the raising of a giant wooden cross by parishioners and devotees from Mt. Carmel Cathedral and the Kristo Rai Church.

The wooden cross, measuring 27 feet tall and spanning 14 feet wide, arrived at the base of Mt. Tapochao at about 6:20am and was carried up the peak by about 20 to 25 men as part of a long-standing religious tradition.

Along the Mt. Tapochao trail were at least three tents, including that of the American Red Cross – NMI Chapter and the United Filipino Organization. The tents offered hikers free refreshments, including water, coffee, fresh fruits, sandwiches, boiled eggs and congee.

The cross was finally raised up at the summit of Mt. Tapochao at about 8am, an hour or two earlier than its usual schedule. An Easter Eucharistic celebration was also held at the site yesterday.