The Head of the Catholic Church in Fiji Archbishop Peter Loy Chong has stressed that beyond the lights and fire crackers, Diwali is a time to reflect and reset our lives.
Archbishop Chong says COVID-19 has brought to light the limitations of human beings and we now live in uncertain times.
He says COVID-19 has brought shades of darkness across the world where people are sick, people have lost income, people can not travel to their homes, poverty increases and people are dying.
Archbishop Chong adds as we face the darkness and suffering brought by COVID-19, there is a need for a symbol of hope.
He says religious festivals like Diwali give us hope, remind us of God, re-directs life, gives us time to stop, to reflect, and to celebrate life.
Archbishop Chong says Diwali and religious festivals and rituals remind us of divine truths, universal life principles and it also invites us to look beyond the human to God.
He says religious festivals communicate a common message that God’s goodness will triumph over evil.
