DILI, 19 April 2025 (TATOLI) – Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Dili, Cardinal Dom Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, SDB, in his homily during the Holy Saturday Mass, proclaimed that Jesus’ life shines as He conquers death, claiming victory over its rule. Through this triumph, He grants salvation to humanity and lifts a light for all believers to emerge from darkness.
“Tonight, Jesus has risen to renew and to lift up light from within our hearts, so that we may emerge from darkness—especially from the moments that have buried our hope and shaken our confidence. When we give space to the thought that everything in life is not going well, and each day our hope weakens because often death appears stronger than life, we must remember that His resurrection brings renewal and light.” preached in his homily, at the Cathedral of Vila-Verde.
Cardinal Dom Virgílio affirmed that Jesus does not abandon those who have lost hope. His resurrection shines forth to bring salvation, for He is not a God of death but a God of life. Therefore, we must not bury our hope.
“The path that women took to bring perfume to Jesus’ tomb is also our path. This is the road leading to salvation. On this night, we walk together, just as in life we often encounter stones and obstacles along our way. God led His beloved people out of Egypt, freeing them from slavery,” he said.
The archbishop explained that Easter is a celebration meant to remove sin, fear, and lost hope—saving us from a mindset focused only on the material world.
“Tonight, Jesus invites us to stand firm in His word, to look ahead with faith, believing that God has given us the ability to see beyond. God asks us to perceive things as He sees them—to see with His eyes, filled with beauty, dignity, and grace, which cannot be denied because we all carry His imprint,” bishop explained.
Jesus is the one who transforms death into life, sorrow into dance. Through Him, Easter is a passage from isolation to communion, from suffering to consolation, from fear to courage.
“Easter teaches us believers not to remain in the tomb, but to embrace life and encounter the living. Jesus’ resurrection reminds us to walk forward, despite our many struggles. We come to Jesus because we need His help,” archbishop declared.
Journalist: Osoria Marques
Editor: Florencio Miranda Ximenes
Translation: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
