LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic limited Easter events in Los Angeles County for a second consecutive year but unlike last year, there were opportunities Sunday to celebrate Jesus' resurrection in person.
Many sunrise and outdoor services were canceled but some churches held outdoor services, including Purpose Church in Pomona and La Crescenta Presbyterian Church.
Masses at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels were limited to 130 people. The cathedral's full capacity is 3,000. Face masks or coverings over the nose and mouth were required to be worn at all times by anyone over 2 years old. Social distancing was required.
Churches were closed last Easter because of the stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The feast of the Resurrection of Christ is the oldest and most important Christian celebration. Christians believe that, by rising from the dead, Jesus demonstrated his power over sin and death, manifesting his divinity as the Son of God.
According to the Christian Scriptures, Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah who offered his life for the sins of the world as was prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures.
The Midnight Mission did not hold its traditional Easter event due to the COVID-19 pandemic but provided special Easter-themed take-out meals at lunch. Each guest also received socks, hygiene kits, masks, and sweet treats.
"All around us we are seeing beautiful signs of hope," Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said in his Easter message. "It is like a dark cloud has decided to lift and a new light is beginning to shine. Our churches are filling up again. Our young people are back in school.
"This has been a tough year. We have suffered and lost loved ones but Jesus did not leave us. He never stops loving us, never stops walking with us. His love leads us always along the path of life."