“Christ Has Risen: A Call to New Life” — Rev. Fr Peter Adeyemi Urges Faithful at Easter Vigil 2026

The Parish Priest of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral Church, Lagere, Ile-Ife, Rev. Fr Peter Adeyemi, has called on Christians to embrace a renewed life in Christ, declaring that the Resurrection is a victory of light over darkness and a defining foundation of the Christian faith.

Delivering his homily during the 2026 Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday, the cleric emphasised that the day’s celebration signifies the fulfilment of God’s promise through Christ’s Resurrection.

Celebration of Light Over Darkness

Rev. Fr Adeyemi described Easter as “a promise fulfilled,” noting that Christ’s death and Resurrection were not accidental but a deliberate act for the liberation of humanity. Citing John 10:17-18, he stressed that Christ willingly laid down His life and took it up again, affirming divine authority and purpose.

Akahi News gathered that the priest urged the faithful to look beyond the physical and focus on the “internal glory of God,” reminding them that many misunderstood Christ when He spoke about the temple of His body.

“Why Seek the Living Among the Dead?”

Drawing from Luke 24:5, the cleric recalled the words of the angels to the disciples: “Why are you searching for the living among the dead?” He explained that the Resurrection is a powerful assurance that Christ is no longer in the grave but alive, and that this truth authenticates the Christian faith.

According to him, “If the Lord had not risen, our faith would have been in vain,” adding that the Resurrection remains the cornerstone of Christian belief.

Lessons from the Empty Tomb

Reflecting on the Gospel account, Rev. Fr Adeyemi recounted how Mary Magdalene and the other Mary encountered an earthquake at the tomb, where an angel rolled away the stone and sat upon it. He explained that this act symbolises victory over fear, declaring that “with Christ, there is no fear.”

The priest noted that the women’s immediate response — running to share the good news — serves as a model for all believers. “We are commissioned to go out quickly and proclaim the message of Easter to the world without fear,” he said.

After Easter, What Next?

In a thought-provoking moment, the cleric challenged the congregation with the question: “After Easter, what next?” He urged them to embrace a “newness of life,” reflecting genuine transformation through the Resurrection.

Quoting St Thomas Aquinas and referencing Philippians 3, Rev. Fr Adeyemi reminded the faithful of the promise that, at the resurrection, souls will reunite with glorified bodies — a hope that should inspire holy living.

A Call to Witness the Risen Lord

The homily concluded with a prayer for grace to remain steadfast witnesses of the risen Christ. He charged parishioners to continue spreading the message of salvation, noting that until the final resurrection, Christians are called to proclaim Christ to all creation.

Akahi News learnt that the Easter Vigil celebration ended on a note of joy and renewed commitment among the faithful, who were encouraged to live out the message of Easter in their daily lives.

As the Church celebrates the triumph of life over death, Rev. Fr Adeyemi’s message stands as a reminder that Easter is not just an event but a call to transformation, courage, and active witness. Believers are urged to carry the light of Christ into the world, living as true ambassadors of the Resurrection.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News.
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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