MONTREAL - Montrealers flocked to church Easter Sunday, even though many confessed that going to church wasn't something they do every weekend.
Adriana Mancuso was one such non-regular in attendance at the St. Monica's Church in NDG Sunday.
"I don't come every Sunday, but at least I make it every Easter," she said.
Services such as the one held at the 49-year-old St. Monica's were held in over 200 Catholic churches and chapels throughout Montreal.
Father Raymond Lafontaine spread the message that Easter Sunday is meant to represent more than Christ's resurrection. He calls it an elemental and universal springtime celebration.
"It's the triumph of life over death. It's the triumph of joy over sadness. It's the triumph of light over darkness," Lafontaine after he patrolled the aisles of St. Monica and sprinkled worshipers with holy water.
Parishioners renewed their baptismal promises and received an Easter blessing with the newly-blessed baptismal water. They were also asked to receive Communion, something they are meant to do at least once during the Eastern season.
Jessica Mancuso was impressed by the size of the ceremony. "It brings everyone together and coming to church reminds you of your roots" she said.
But her little sister was a bit more eager to dig into the Easter chocolate.
"The mass was long but I have to get used to that and I liked the chocolates at the end," said little sister Adriana Mancuso.
The only downer is that three parishioners reported that their cars were ticketed while they were attending services.
"That would be unfortunate. It certainly is not a very joyful thing," said Father Lafontaine.
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