PM Patrick Manning says

PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning, in commemorating the celebration of Easter, yesterday said that the country can hardly be encouraged by what is taking place over the past weeks and months, including the devastation and trauma to which even the very young and innocent have been subjected.

He said on occasions like Easter, therefore, it is always worth considering whether “we are allowing our religious observances to have adequate meaning and significance in our homes and lives.”

Recalling with nostalgia the good old days, the PM added that there was a time when Easter had more spiritual meaning, when the things that were done meant more. “Are we there now or are we allowing the banality, frivolity and commercialisation to distract us from the true meaning and purpose of the occasion,” he asked.

“We must never tire of the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. And for the benefit of our children and young men and women, we must never lose sight of the opportunity to inculcate in them those strong spiritual values incorporated in the messages of this holy week,” Manning said. He said Christ’s resurrection follows His great humiliation and crucifixion and vindicates Him as the Son of God and assures the faithful of their own resurrection and eternal life.