Going back to church on Easter Sunday, after a long wait due to pandemic, created in me a special happiness and I am sure the same goes for many Catholics here in Hong Kong. Finally the most anticipated day came. We were very excited and feel blessed because Easter is for us to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus which also symbolises hope in each one of us.
— Divina Apostol
All through those months I was not able to attend Masses. So the resumption of Mass on Holy Thursday meant a lot. I hungered and thirsted to attend Mass. During the beginning of the Holy Week everything was quiet as we meditated on the Passion and Death of Christ. Then came Easter Sunday when we could all rejoice with songs and praises. The music resonated in my inner most being. During the renewal of the baptisimal vows, I felt a new life in me.
As a choir member, the preparation for Easter Sunday Mass was not difficult. We were informed about the list of songs on the previous night from our coordinator. What we did was to practice singing the songs at home. Then on Easter Sunday morning we went early to the church and rehearsed all together before the Mass. It was not difficult as we were all familiar with the songs and just needed a little warm up.
— Elna Candelario
After months of not attending an actual Mass, I feel overwhelmed because once again Masses are resumed. This is what most of us were praying for.
As a lector, I needed to practise reading since I had not served for some time. By practising I could avoid stammering and read clearly.
— Nelsie Casa
During the Easter Sunday celebrations at St. Joseph’s Church, my heart was full of joy and I was not tired despite serving in three Masses. I belong to the communication group of the Sowers Catholic Charismatic Group and I was assigned to record the Masses for livestreaming purpose. I did not feel tired and was able to concentrate while making the video. It is my privilege to be able to serve in my humble and small way. I pray that public Masses can continue and we can do our services every Sunday. How I longed for this day to come and the Lord really chose Easter Sunday, the victorious day when he conquered death!
—Elena Espadon
I have long prayed for the resumption of Masses and waited for this day. How happy I was to be able to receive Jesus sacramentally. It really makes a big difference than receiving him spiritually. The feeling as the Mass started was exhuberant. My hope, faith and joy were renewed. Singing hymns together with the choir and the congregation was so uplifting. Prior to Easter Sunday, I prepared myself spiritually by attending online Masses, listening to Lenten songs, prayed and meditated on the Word of God and attended the online Lenten recollections organised by the Filipino chaplaincy.
As a domestic worker I do my daily work routine with love and offer them as my sacrifice to our Lord who suffered for us. Through these little acts I could at least make my observance of the Holy Week even at work.
— Beth Rizardo
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we had not celebrated the usual Masses for some time. So when we were able to celebrate once again Masses, we all rejoiced. Easter Sunday for us Christians is a very special day. We commemorate our own salvation through Jesus. We have been saved from our sins and our Saviour has come to life after offering his life on the Cross. Being present during the Church service, candle lighting, music and flowers excited me.
—Jovitz Secolles
When I learned that Masses were resumed, my heart was overwhelmed with joy. Being a guitarist in the church, the song practice every Sunday has really been giving me strength every day. On Easter Sunday we rushed for many things. The line up of songs was not yet decided and the choir was not ready either as we lacked practice for a long time. As a guitarist, I need to focus again and give my time, heart and effort for the choir so that we will be singing beautifully again like before.
—Eimee Velarde
