Tura, April 6: Christians across Garo Hills celebrated Easter this weekend with solemn prayers, traditional rituals, and a renewed call for peace, reflecting global conflicts and the suffering of people worldwide. The observances brought together communities from across the region, highlighting both faith and compassion.
Easter began late Saturday night with the Catholic Easter Vigil, conducted in darkness. A single flame—the Paschal Candle—was lit, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Carried reverently into the church, the candle illuminated the faithful, reminding them of Christ’s enduring presence. Holy water was blessed and sprinkled over the congregation to invoke spiritual renewal, while church bells rang out to announce the arrival of Easter. In a symbolic gesture, priests opened an empty crypt to represent Christ’s resurrection and the promise of new life.
On Sunday morning at Sacred Heart Church in Tura, Auxiliary Bishop C. J. Jose addressed the congregation, emphasizing Jesus Christ’s love and compassion. “Easter reminds us that love and compassion always triumph over hatred and evil,” Bishop Jose said. He also urged the faithful to remember those suffering due to conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and other regions.
Bishop Jose’s message echoed the Easter Vigil homily delivered by Pope Leo XIV, who called upon Christians worldwide not to become numb to human suffering. The Pope emphasized that indifference to war and violence allows hatred to persist, and that through prayer, compassion, and concrete action, believers can bring hope and healing to a fractured world. “We are reminded that divine love can overcome hatred,” Bishop Jose told the congregation, quoting the Pontiff.
Meanwhile, the historic Tura Baptist Church held its traditional sunrise service, attended by hundreds of devotees. Participants reflected on the Gospel account of Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb at dawn—the first witness to the resurrection and a symbol of hope and renewal. Hymns, prayers, and Scripture readings marked the service, fostering unity and faith among the attendees.
Easter in Garo Hills was more than a religious observance; it was a public affirmation of hope, renewal, and peace. The celebrations highlighted the local community’s commitment to compassion and empathy, urging people to extend support to those affected by conflict and to carry the message of Christ’s resurrection into daily life.
Amid ringing church bells, glowing candles, and prayers lifted across the region, the Easter celebrations in Garo Hills served as a poignant reminder that even in a world marked by strife, faith, love, and hope remain enduring and powerful.
