TIRANA, March 31 /ATA/ – A solemn mass took place on Saturday midnight at the Saint Paul Cathedral in the capital city of Tirana, heralding the onset of Easter Sunday, marking the pinnacle of the Christian liturgical calendar with celebrations of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Led by Archbishop Arjan Dodaj, the mass at the cathedral resonated with prayers and hymns, echoing the profound significance of Easter in the hearts of believers.
Archbishop Dodaj extended warm wishes to all Catholic faithful, calling also on all state, media and social structures to help and give more hope to young people. Monsignor Dodaj also emphasized the spiritual significance of the occasion and the renewal of hope that Easter symbolizes.
A large number of Catholic believers attended the service.
After observing the annual “Way of Cross” procession, the Catholic faithful, carrying baskets containing Easter foods, head to church to have their food blessed on Holy Saturday. The basket of Easter food also contains the Easter bread, a bottle of wine, cheese, fresh garlic that symbolize spring, as well as colored eggs that symbolize hope, new life, and Christ rising from His tomb.
The Easter Vigil starts with the large Saturday midnight mass at all Catholic churches and ends with Sunday’s traditional lunch. As Easter unfolds, believers gather with loved ones, reflecting on the profound message of redemption and embracing the promise of new beginnings.
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