EDITORIAL - Easter blessings

Government agencies went on red alert and residents particularly in coastal communities prepared for evacuation as Typhoon Chedeng approached the country before the long Holy Week break. With warnings that the off-season typhoon could become a monster howler, no one wanted to take chances. The warnings took their toll on Holy Week travel, with vacations cut short and hotel bookings canceled during the peak season. Storm surge warnings drove away tourists from several popular destinations.

Fortunately for the country, Chedeng dissipated after wreaking havoc in several Pacific islands. Yesterday the typhoon weakened into a storm, sparing the nation from foul weather and disaster on Easter Sunday. And while business suffered in areas along the path of the typhoon, other destinations saw a surge in visitors. So there’s reason to celebrate as families gather today for Easter, to remember the miracle of the risen Christ.

The year started with the nation focused on matters of the faith, as Filipinos prepared to welcome Pope Francis. As the pontiff told residents of Tacloban, the suffering caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda brought him to the Philippines. Typhoon Amang forced Francis to cut short his visit to Tacloban, but it didn’t diminish the impact of his mission. Even among a number of lapsed Catholics, the popular pope rekindled the faith.

Despite typhoon warnings, Filipinos embarked on pilgrimages this Holy Week, visiting churches and pondering the teachings of Christ. The spirit of renewal stirred by Pope Francis is again evident on this special day, when Christians celebrate redemption through Christ’s death and resurrection.

A joyous Easter to everyone!