In a few days Christians from all over the world as well as those from Togo will celebrate the Easter holiday which marks the annual commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Given that the days follow one another but do not look the same, given that the world is constantly changing, the Passover of this year 2020 is being prepared in a particular global context where all countries are threatened by a pandemic with devastating consequences that dictates its law to the whole world. Togo is no exception. A team from the Independent Express took a tour of some areas of Lomé on Thursday to gather the opinion of some Christian faithful three days before the Passover in a context of health crisis.
As is often accepted among the Christian faithful, the Easter holiday is the most important religious holiday in the Christian religion. And the followers of this religion prepare for several weeks before the great day that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But the Passover 2020 in the world and especially in Togo will be celebrated in a complex situation where places of worship are closed due to the devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic. This pandemic has disrupted all pre-established programs and set up a new situation. Togolese Christians who have in the past expressed a particular interest in this religious festival are therefore struck by the effects of this virus. Desolation binds on the faces in the run-up to this much-anticipated feast; what they don't hide.
In the retaliation against Covid-19, the Togolese authorities imposed a number of measures in view of the few non-grouping of more than one hundred people. This measure hit places of worship, including churches that had to close their doors. A situation that puzzles the faithful. Approached in the sagbado district, Joel, a Catholic Christian, expressed his regret in these terms" "I come from a Christian family and I am. The Passover period has always been an important moment in our Christian life. We always prepare it in firmness with other Christian brothers. But this year, this party will not be the way it used to be. And it hurts us. Especially I am shocked by this situation. In any case, we confide in God alone." Others went even further by evoking the question of faith, which must be nurtured and nurtured every time by going regularly to church. But that is no longer the case.
For her part, mother Cecile Christian practitioner also spoke out on the situation. "I have always been a Christian since I was young. Today I am 67 years old. I had never experienced such a situation where all the churches are closed because of any illness. For this Passover I'm lost. I don't know what to do. It's really sad that I can no longer go into God's house this Passover period. Everyone I had planned with my children since January has fallen into the water. At this rate, our faith is at stake," said this old lady who has spent more than 45 years in Christianity.
The economic consequences are also mentioned by some Christians we have approached. "As the Passover approaches, the Christian sisters bring me sewing fabrics for them. Sometimes I'm even overwhelmed by demand. I take the opportunity to save a lot of money. But as this year there will be no demonstrations, we are directly affected because people are no longer interested in being sewn new clothes" suggested Anne, Christian and seamstress in Wonyomé.
It is therefore clear that this year's Passover will be a new experience for all Christians. Never in the history of the contemporary world has such a situation occurred. It is up to every Christian to find the best formula to properly commemorate this religious holiday, taking into account the barriers and those taken by the authorities to eradicate this pandemic.
Alliance Togo Informatique
www.independantexpress.net
Amos DAYISSO
