Bosnia’s Cardinal, Vinko Puljic, wished Catholics across Bosnia and Herzegovina a happy Easter, adding that the celebration brings light in this atmosphere of hopelessness amid the coronavirus crisis.

Easter is one of the most important holidays for Catholics. It comes after 40 days of lent, which believers spend fasting and contemplating Christ’s life quietly.

Easter itself celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and Catholics mark it with a family feast and a competition in cracking colourful eggs, which is particularly joyful for children.  

This year, however, families will not be getting together and friends will not be visiting each other.

During the mass on Sunday, which Puljic gave in an empty church as believers attended it via the Internet and TV, he prayed for the COVID-19 pandemic to end soon.

”And not only now, but in all moments of anxiety, we are asking: How long will this last? Lord, give us hope that you have the final word,” he said.  

In Puljic’s address to believers ahead of Sunday’s mass, he said that “we live, unfortunately, in an atmosphere which is imposing the culture of death, hopelessness and loss of human dignity.”  

“The dignity of God’s children is revived among Christians by Christ’s resurrection and they need to live it, witness it and never get tired in the fight for human life, his dignity and rights,” Puljic said.  

“After lent, we want the light of our faith, joyful hope and courage to follow Jesus and witness we belong to him to illuminate us in the Easter celebration,” he said.  

Jesus promised to be with Christians and they “live his presence” which brings them peace, he said, particularly mentioning children and young people who are trying to find the meaning of life.  

He also dedicated a part of his speech to medical staff and others fighting for the health of people while exposing themselves to the pandemic.

“A big Thank You with a prayer for Christ – the winner against death – to inspire you in exercising love towards endangered brothers and sisters,” he said, noting that the current misfortune the coronavirus has caused should not be politicised.