The bells of all the temples in Spain have sounded this Easter Sunday, at 12.00, thus joining Pope Francis in his’ urbi et orbi ‘blessing, with the motto’ Jesus Christ is risen, announces and performs the victory of life over death. We are witnesses of this hope ‘in order to transmit to society “hope” in the current moment of health emergency by Covid-19.
The initiative has been proposed by the Spanish Episcopal Conference (EEC) in a letter in which they regret that “the greatest expression of the drama” that the country is experiencing “is the death of thousands of people in solitude and, sometimes, in the despair and lack of comfort from family members. ” “The way to dismiss the deceased, celebrate rites of hope and accompany the mourning of their relatives, is at the origin of civilization. The current crisis undermines this pillar,” indicate the prelates.
In the midst of this situation, they emphasize that “the Church is the repository of hope that springs from faith in the dead and risen Christ and is shared in charity.” “We rang the bells to offer this hope to those who need it most today,” the bishops stress.
They also announce with this ringing of bells “the victory of Christ over death”. “We try to make this nuclear announcement of our faith come with multiple testimonies and initiatives. We want to proclaim it, even with tears in our eyes,” they assure.
