Easter brings hope after suffering, Archbishop Cvikl says
Maribor, 4 April - Easter is a holiday of light, which awakens joy, hope and love, Archbishop of Maribor Alojzij Cvikl said in his Easter sermon, urging people to spread this message.
Maribor
Archbishop of Maribor Alojzij Cvikl at the Maribor cathedral.
Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA
File photo
Cvikl celebrated the Easter mass at the Maribor cathedral on Sunday morning, which was broadcast by TV Slovenija as worshippers are not allowed to attend in-person due to a strict lockdown in place between 1 and 11 April.
He said that while people often doubt whether new hope is possible after disappointment, trials and suffering, the resurrected Jesus is a source of light because he gives suffering and death a meaning.
Easter celebrations are largely restricted to one family or household, although the cross-regional travel ban was lifted today between 5am and 11pm allowing six adults from two households plus children to meet.
This is nevertheless a somewhat milder regime than last Easter, when people could not go to church while there was also a ban on cross-municipal travel in place.
Slovenian bishops urged people before Easter to comply with the restrictions, celebrate the holiday with their closest family at home, and follow religious services on TV, radio or online.
Archbishop of Ljubljana Stanislav Zore stressed last week that protecting one's health was one's moral duty.