RENEWAL of faith.This was the call of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia on the occasion of Easter Sunday, yesterday, April 17.Lacson said that lent is “a time to remember and honor the greatest sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ made for us and a time to answer God’s invitation for us to return to him in humility and submission.”“For the past two years, we have been precluded from commemorating lent according to our customary religious observance (but) this year, with lesser restrictions, we are allowed, albeit carefully and cautiously, to return to tradition,” he said.Lacson reminded everyone that despite uncertainties caused by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, calamities and other uncontrollable circumstances, “we should rejoice and celebrate the triumph of faith over doubt and of hope over despair.”For his part, Leonardia said Christ’s resurrection is the fulfillment of a promise for the salvation of humankind for those who believe in Him.“For us Christians, Easter is a celebration of renewal of our faith; of strengthening our relationship with God and embracing with more resolve Church’s teachings to always follow his Commandments and spread the love,” he said.Leonardia emphasized that it may sound radical for others but to give love and show forgiveness will bring upon a more humane society because it is the true essence of being children of God.“As in the olden times when Easter comes, people gather with family and friends to celebrate Jesus Christ’s triumph over death with the message that everlasting life will be ours as long as we believe and follow Him,” the mayor noted.He added that people should also seek divine intervention as calamities, poverty and war continue to wreak havoc in some parts of the world.*