COVID-19 lockdown: Unusual Easter celebration in Meghalaya

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: It was an unusual Easter celebration for the people of the State on Sunday, since any kind of mass gatherings including religious ones have been suspended in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In ordinary times, the church is usually packed with the faithfuls to mark Easter Sunday.

Despite this, the Christians celebrated Easter Sunday with prayers as they self-imposed themselves in their own homes and continued their battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Roman Catholic Church, the Presbyterian Church and churches of other denominations live streamed their Easter Services through the social media.

“Pascal commemoration with candlelight processions were held in many private chapels marking the event of Lord Jesus Christ rising from death. However, there were no baptisms of newborns in our Easter celebration as we are continuing to celebrate our religious ceremonies under very difficult circumstances across the world,” Diocesan Administrator of the Shillong Catholic Archdiocese, Fr. John Madur, said.

Meghalaya Governor, Tathagata Roy in his Easter greetings to the people of the State, said that it was a festival of hope celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“Easter inspires people all over the world to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and forgiveness,” Roy said.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that on Easter, one should be thankful for all the blessings and rejoice as people are given a chance to experience all the abundance that life can give them. “May it usher in a new beginning of greater prosperity, happiness, success and good health,” the Chief Minister said.

Also Read: Don’t yield to fear over the Coronavirus pandemic: Pope Francis at Easter vigil service

Also Watch: Hagrama Mohilary organizes a press-meet on Coronavirus situation and distribution of Rations