‘They ran, They Saw, They Believed’: At Easter Sunday Mass, bishop urges faithful to run and tell the Good News

Mati, Davao Oriental — On Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, the Cathedral of San Nicolas De Tolentino held the traditional Salubong encounter between the Risen Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, followed by a Mass presided by Most Rev. Bishop Abel C. Apigo, D.D.

The celebration drew families, liturgical ministers, religious sisters, and others who watched via radio, television, and the diocese’s Facebook page.

In his homily, Bishop Apigo highlighted the word ran from the Gospel of John, noting that Mary Magdalene ran to Simon Peter and the beloved disciple, and both men ran to the tomb. He said this image captures the excitement of discovering and sharing the Good News of the Resurrection.

The bishop recalled that Peter, who denied the Lord on Good Friday, preached boldly in the Acts of the Apostles. He said even repentant sinners can find courage to proclaim the Risen Lord. He warned against being seasonal Christians and urged believers to always proclaim the Resurrection.

Bishop Apigo emphasized the progression: they ran, they saw, and they believed. He called the empty tomb a sign of wonder and the most unfathomable good news in human history. Citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, he described the Resurrection as the crowning truth of the Christian faith.

Despite life’s trials, the bishop said the Lord provides a solution, and the Responsorial Psalm gives the reason for Christian joy: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

Bishop Apigo thanked all who labored throughout Lent and the Easter Triduum, including mandated organizations, liturgical ministers, apostles, benefactors, police, fire department, public safety teams, and parish leaders. He said everyone ran together to echo the Resurrection, and that God has made each one an instrument to proclaim His name.

The celebration concluded with the congregation leaving enlightened, carrying a deep sense of God’s presence into their homes and workplaces.