Hundreds of Catholic devotees took part in the Black Saturday ritual through prayers, songs, and the reaffirmation of their Christian faith during the Eucharistic celebration at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao on April 20, 2025.

Diocese of Cubao Bishop Rev. Elias Ayuban Jr., CMF, DD, reminded the faithful of the significance of silence—the kind experienced on Black Saturday, when Christ lay in the tomb.

He reflected on how such silence often stirs anxiety, as it compels people to confront their fears, wounds, and doubts. He also emphasized that while many ask for graces, they often forget to pause, listen, and wait for God’s message—revealing a tendency to seek rather than trust in God’s plan.

Amid the silence of Black Saturday, Fr. Ayuban affirmed that Christ’s love moves more deeply. The empty tomb brings forth new life and light. It reminds us that light overcomes darkness and that Christ’s love is eternal.

The Easter Sunday celebration culminated in the meeting of the image of the Risen Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary during the annual Salubong, held immediately after the Easter Vigil.

(Production:  Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News)