As Rwandans celebrated Easter, Christian leaders called for unity, reconciliation and spiritual renewal.
Easter Sunday, also known as Resurrection Sunday, marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead after three days in the tomb. This year, it was celebrated on Sunday, April 20.
The Christian faith focuses on the key events of Jesus Christ's life for one week. It starts with Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem, followed by Holy Thursday, which marks the Last Supper. This is followed by his crucifixion on Good Friday, and ends with Easter Sunday, celebrating his resurrection.
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In a message shared by Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kigali, he said that Easter is a deeply significant day for strengthening the relationship between Christians and God.
"Easter reminds us that Christ rose to make everything new. He created a new family, children of God, united beyond all earthly divisions."
He condemned divisionism, describing it as a destructive force with no justification. He pointed out the tragedy of people fighting along ethnic and religious lines. He emphasised that this kind of hatred and separation goes against the message of Christ’s resurrection, which calls for unity, reconciliation, and a shared humanity under God.
Kambanda urged Christians to turn away from earthly desires and embrace heavenly values.
"Strive for heaven, not for material things. Avoid hatred, injustice, war, and selfishness. The resurrection calls us to reject division, to live in harmony, and to seek the good of others,” he said.
The Right Reverend Nathan Amooti Rusengo of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, Remera Parish, said Easter is a celebration of faith, divine intervention, and the unseen resources God provides in times of need.
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He said that God moves powerfully in moments of fear and uncertainty.
"Sometimes we pray and believe, but we forget that the God we pray to listens and takes action,” he said.
He reminded believers that Easter is not just about the resurrection of Christ but also about trusting in God&039;s power to transform lives.
For many Christians, Easter is more than just a holiday—it's a powerful reminder of hope, renewal, and spiritual transformation.
Jean Paul Niyongabo, a Christian from Kigali, emphasised the central message of the resurrection during Easter celebrations.
"Easter means a lot to me. We come together to celebrate because he is not dead, He is alive. And because of his resurrection, we are also alive. That’s why we gather to honour his life and the life he brings into ours."
For Noella Uwase, another Christian from Kigali, the significance of Easter goes even deeper. She views it as a personal spiritual rebirth.
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"Every time we remember the resurrection of Christ, it’s a chance for us to be redefined and renewed by his power. Christ did something truly extraordinary. Without his resurrection, there would be no salvation. It’s a symbol that reminds us there is life after this one,” she noted.
She encouraged Christians who couldn’t attend church to take a moment wherever they are to reflect on the death of Jesus Christ, why he died and what his sacrifice means for their lives going forward.