Thousands of Marylanders Celebrate Easter
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Christians all around the world celebrated Easter in church Sunday morning, including here in Maryland.
Andrea Fujii takes us inside some local services.
This Easter Sunday it's standing room only for Mass at the Baltimore Basilica.
"Easter is a very important day in the life of any believer and I think that it hits the conscience on a day like this," said Archbishop Edwin O'Brian.
For many it's an annual tradition.
"We believe Easter Sunday is the holiest day of the year," said churchgoer, Sondra Collins.
Others come to reflect and pray about trouble oceans away.
"The world is a very difficult place, but we have to give thanks for what we have," said Kathleen Fulton.
Violence in the Middle East, devastation in Japan and a weak economy, coupled with soaring gas prices, weigh down on many churchgoers. But the Archbishop says people can lay down their worries here.
"People are coming to church. They see some hope in the Lord and the new life he gives us," he said.
"Say thank you to God for life, for us, for giving new life," added churchgoer, Yvonne Colon.
Meanwhile, miles away, Easter songs of praise were sung in Baltimore County at Christian Life Church.
Besides thanks for resurrection, dozens of kids are grateful for gifts from the Easter Bunny.
"I got some candy and some money," said Brooks Valentine.
But most young people do know why they're here.
"Easter is when Jesus rose from the dead," said Ashley Collins.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore has another reason to celebrate this Easter. Nearly 730 new Catholics entered the church this year. The Baltimore Basilica will hold a special mass next Sunday for the beatification of Pope John Paul II.
