The Christian calendar is a reflection of nature’s cycle of birth and death, joy and despair, triumph and disaster. Constructed around the coming, life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it establishes for believers seasons to observe, feast days to commemorate, periods to engage in self-denial and contemplation, and opportunities to weave their faith into the rhythm of daily life. Its cyclical nature brings a sense of certainty, stability and comfort especially during turbulent times.
Having just come through the prayer, fasting and introspection characteristic of the Lenten season, Christians, now fortified with renewed faith and conviction, celebrate Easter, the festival at the heart of the Christian calendar. With its narrative of hope and promise of salvation, Easter offers reassurance and encouragement to the believer and non-believer alike.
Easter helps us to find hope amid overwhelming despair. Christ’s death plunged his followers into mourning, but the discovery of the empty tomb and risen Lord filled them with great joy and hope for the future. The scripture “though weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning” took on new resonance and meaning.
Christ’s voluntary suffering, with its singular goal of liberating mankind, epitomises love, compassion and sacrifice. Jesus lived as he preached, embodying the commandment “love thy neighbour as thyself”. The tenets of love, faith and perseverance are not unique to the Christian creed but are applicable to us all as we seek to make sense of and tackle the many challenges facing our country. That we will emerge on the other side of the pandemic is certain, especially now that the desperately needed vaccines have begun to arrive and we continue to observe the Covid-19 protocols. How, is a matter entirely for us, as individuals and as a nation; will we learn any salutary lessons that impact and improve the way we live, or will we fall back into the antisocial and unhealthy patterns that have become all too familiar?
During the past year, we have been forced to rethink the way we conduct the business of life, resetting plans and priorities as we come to terms with the reality of Covid-19. We have experienced and endured the death of many hopes and dreams, but in the spirit of Easter we can, with hope and resolve, look forward to a brighter day. Let us embrace the theme of victory—Christ’s victory over the grave and our victory over the trials and crises that confront us. May we, both Christians and non-Christians, draw inspiration from the story of Easter with its universal message of “the contagion of hope”.
I extend to the national community best wishes for a safe, joyous and contemplative Easter celebration.
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The Corps and Friends Can Cook International Food Fair has been cancelled.Underwhelming ticket sales has led the Office of the President to make this difficult decision. Her Excellency deeply regrets any disappointment or inconvenience caused.REFUNDSOnline ticket purchases will be refunded to the credit card holder within 3 to 5 business days. For those who purchased tickets at Queen’s Hall Box Office, refunds will be available from Monday, April 29th, between the hours of 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.
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Continuing their School Tour Programme, Their Excellencies Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Kerwyn Garcia SC, First Gentleman, visited 4 schools in the St. Patrick Education District on Friday last.Santa Flora Anglican Primary, Palo Seco Open Bible Kindergarten, Palo Seco Secondary and Santa Flora Government Primary. Their Excellencies chatted one on one with many of the youngsters at each school, asking about their experiences and also informing the students about the roles and responsibilities of the President. At their first stop, Santa Flora Anglican Primary, also known as St. Cyprian's Anglican, Their Excellencies were even on time to witness the finish of a 3k road race in which students from area schools competed. Their Excellencies then presented the top three finishers with their trophies.This visit to schools is the third such undertaken by Their Excellencies. In January, Their Excellencies visited schools in Matelot and Grande Riviere while in March Their Excellencies visited schools in Preysal.
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Tickets available now at Queen’s Hall Box Office and online at queenshalltt.com Gastronomic delights from around the world!
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His Excellency Fabrizio Nicoletti, Ambassador of the Italian Republic presented his credentials to Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago this morning at President's House.
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