“If He lives, nothing is lost… Panama can rise,” affirmed the Archbishop, urging believers to live coherently, without fear, and committed to the common good, as a concrete testimony of their faith.
Following the mass in the Cathedral, the procession of joy began to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The float of the Risen Christ left the Church of San Francisco de Asís, while the image of the Virgin of Joy left the Church of La Merced.
From the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica Santa María La Antigua, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Panama, José Domingo Ulloa, presided over the Easter or Resurrection mass, one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar, which commemorates the triumph of life over death.
In the homily, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Panama, José Domingo Ulloa, warned about the advance of violence in the country, by stating that “it is getting into the neighborhoods, homes, and even sports.” Ulloa alerted that this reality “robs peace and hope,” while urging Panamanian society not to normalize this phenomenon.
The prelate framed his message in the context of Easter, emphasizing that the resurrection of Christ represents an opportunity to transform personal and social life. The Archbishop also referred to other problems affecting the country, such as corruption, indifference, and exclusion, which he described as “tombs” that must be opened.
In this sense, he called on citizens to assume an active commitment to generate change and build a more just society.
“What tombs do we need to open in Panama?” Both representations will meet in the Cathedral plaza to celebrate the resurrection by proclaiming that Christ is alive and is the king of kings.
The deputy Paulette Thomas sang to the virgin during the procession from a balcony in the Casco Viejo of Panama. The float of Christ is carried by 50 people (cofrades).
“Faith is not an ornament, it is a criterion for life,” he affirmed, highlighting that the transformation of the country begins with individual decisions that impact society as a whole.
In his Easter reflection, José Domingo Ulloa emphasized that the Christian faith cannot be reduced to a tradition or custom, but arises from a real encounter with the Risen Christ.
“Easter is an experience that transforms and renews life,” he expressed, inviting the faithful to leave behind fear, the past, and despair, and to open up to a new life marked by hope.
The Archbishop concluded with a call to action, stressing that resurrection is not just a past event, but a living force that must be reflected in daily life.
“The tomb of indifference… the tomb of corruption that robs hope, closes the future for so many, the tomb of violence that gets into our neighborhoods…”
The Monsignor's message comes at a time when several violent incidents have occurred in the country in sporting scenarios.
Ulloa concluded his message by exhorting Panamanians to live their faith coherently, with concrete actions based on truth and responsibility. The procession is set to the rhythm of the National Police band with hymns and notes of Christian hymns such as ‘There is no God as great as your’.
When both floats met, the bells of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa María La Antigua rang out.
