Easter wasn’t just about the pastel colors, candy and the week off from school; instead, for many people it was a meaning of faith, tradition and community.
“The true meaning of Easter is the celebration of the resurrection. He conquered sin and death, opening for us the promise of eternal life,” Xavier chaplain Father Elario Zambakari said.
For many, Easter is more than just remembering a past event. It is a reminder that new beginnings are always possible through having hope.
“The resurrection teaches us that suffering and hardship are never the end of the story,” Zambakari said.
Practicing an Easter tradition doesn’t always look like going to Mass. Zambakari encourages students to participate in Holy Week to really reflect on Easter’s true meaning.
This indicates the importance of faith being lived out beyond the Church and how acts of kindness, forgiveness and service are some ways students can live Easter out, past Easter Sunday.
Spanish teacher Noemi Santaella recently organized a collection of bunnies from her students for a donation to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
In Santaella’s classroom, Easter is not just a discussion, it’s something they practice. She highly focuses on keeping learning centered upon hope and love.
“Easter is about hope and love, and this was a way for students to share that with kids who are going through difficult times,” Santaella says.
This drive gave students the opportunity to give back to the community, while also being able to bring comfort and smiles to children spending the holiday in the hospital.
Santaella finds moments like these important. She emphasizes that, “Our faith isn’t just a conversation, but it’s a lifestyle.”
Senior class president Bianca Willis ‘26 shares that her family tradition for Easter is, “After finishing up Mass and brunch with my family, we go down to our pool and swim together with friends.”
After getting dressed up Easter morning, she believes relaxing with family and friends is a great way of spending quality time.
As senior class president, Willis believes that keeping the holiday spirit alive around Xavier campus is very important. “Easter is an example of a special holiday that helps students understand these deeply-rooted Catholic traditions, and to help those who don’t have the chance to celebrate with their friends and family,” said Willis.
Looking into the near future, Willis hopes to see the Easter tradition continue to grow. “I would love to see a huge Easter egg hunt around campus, to help Xavier get into the Easter spirit.”
Easter at Xavier is more than just a day of celebration, but it’s the meaning of faith, service and community.
