Renewed Catholic Ryan Abramson: Faith, Family, and Renewal at Easter

Spring bursts forth with vivid color, warming breezes, and the familiar symbols of rebirth—flowers in bloom, birdsong in the air, and Easter on the horizon. For many, it’s a holiday filled with pastel baskets, egg hunts, and the aroma of ham roasting in the oven. But beneath the surface lies a deeper truth: Easter is a profound celebration of faith, family, and renewal.

For Ryan Abramson, Catholic by tradition and believer by choice, Easter is more than a holiday—it’s a spiritual turning point that anchors the soul and rekindles life’s most vital connections. The themes of sacrifice, resurrection, and everlasting love invite us to pause, reflect, and rejoice in both our heritage and our future.

In this post, we’ll explore Easter through the lens of tradition, theology, and modern culture. From the rituals of the Catholic Church to celebrations across continents, and from the joy of family dinners to the rise of faith-based entertainment like “The Chosen,” Easter continues to inspire. Let’s dive into the global richness of this holy day and why, even in a rapidly changing world, its message remains timeless.

The Catholic Meaning of Easter: Resurrection and Redemption

For the Catholic Church, Easter is the most sacred day of the liturgical year. It marks the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead—His triumph over sin and death. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Easter is not simply one feast among others, but the ‘Feast of feasts,’ the ‘Solemnity of solemnities’” (CCC 1169).

Easter is preceded by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving that mirrors Christ’s time in the desert. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday and includes Holy Thursday (commemorating the Last Supper), Good Friday (the crucifixion), and culminates in the Easter Vigil on Saturday night—a liturgical masterpiece filled with candlelight, scripture, and the proclamation that "He is risen!"

The Ryan Abramson Catholic experience, like that of many lifelong believers, centers on the beautiful tension between grief and glory that defines Holy Week. The sorrow of Good Friday gives way to the hope of Easter Sunday—a reminder that darkness never has the final word.

In churches from Philadelphia to Peru, from Rome to Rwanda, Easter Mass is a celebration of light overcoming darkness. Bells ring, altars blossom with lilies, and choirs erupt with “Alleluia!” after its 40-day absence.

Faith Around the World: Who Celebrates Easter?

While Easter is a central celebration for Christians, its impact reaches far beyond one denomination. Worldwide, over 2.3 billion people identify as Christian, with the majority observing Easter in some form. Here's a breakdown of Christian populations and Easter observance by tradition:

• Roman Catholics: Approximately 1.3 billion, including those like Ryan Abramson Catholic Church participants, observe the Vatican-defined Holy Week.

• Eastern Orthodox Christians: Celebrate Easter (often called Pascha) with distinct liturgies and customs, sometimes on a different date due to the Julian calendar.

• Protestants: Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, and Anglican communities celebrate Easter with varying styles, from sunrise services to dramatic reenactments of the Passion.

• Coptic and Ethiopian Christians: Celebrate with fasting, feasting, and community liturgies steeped in centuries-old tradition.

Countries with large Christian populations—like the United States, Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, and much of Europe—observe Easter as both a religious and cultural event. Even in places where Christians are a minority, such as Egypt, India, or Nigeria, Easter Sunday is a visible and vibrant occasion.

Interestingly, data from Pew Research shows that even in secular-leaning societies, Easter is among the most widely recognized holidays, demonstrating its resonance beyond the devout.

Global Easter Traditions: One Faith, Many Cultures

Though rooted in a singular event, Easter is expressed uniquely around the world. Here are a few fascinating traditions that showcase how renewal, hope, and celebration manifest globally:

Philippines

Catholics take to the streets in full reenactments of Jesus’ Passion during Holy Week. On Easter, families gather for “Salubong,” a joyful sunrise ritual where statues of the risen Christ and the Virgin Mary are paraded and “meet” in a symbolic reunion.

Poland

In addition to church services, families participate in “Święconka,” the blessing of Easter baskets filled with symbolic foods like eggs (life), bread (Jesus), and sausage (abundance).

Greece

Greek Orthodox Christians prepare “tsoureki” (a sweet braided bread) and dye eggs bright red to symbolize Christ’s blood. Midnight on Holy Saturday is marked with fireworks and the communal sharing of the flame of the resurrection candle.

Italy

Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica becomes the heart of the Catholic world as the Pope delivers the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to millions. Easter Monday, known as “Pasquetta,” is a national holiday often spent picnicking with loved ones.

Ethiopia

In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, believers fast for 55 days before Easter. On Easter Eve, white-robed worshippers gather for all-night services that conclude in jubilant morning feasts.

Catholic Ryan Abramson, American Easter Traditions: Faith, Family, and Jelly Beans

In the United States, Easter combines deep religious observance with family traditions and commercial fun. Churches overflow on Easter Sunday, many holding sunrise services in parks or cemeteries as a symbol of the empty tomb. Following Mass or worship services, American families often gather for brunches and feasts.

Egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, Peeps marshmallows, and pastel-colored candies fill baskets for children, but the root of these traditions often stems from ancient symbols of fertility and renewal. The egg, in particular, is an ancient symbol of new life that the Church later adopted to represent Christ’s Resurrection.

The White House Easter Egg Roll has become a cherished national tradition, while in communities across the country, local events, church plays, and neighborhood potlucks bring people together. In Bucks County, Pennsylvania—home to Ryan Abramson—Easter means church bells ringing, sunrise masses along the Delaware River, and tables set for generations of family to share ham, potatoes, and laughter.

Renewal: Easter’s Timeless Message in a Modern World

Easter isn’t just about remembering what happened 2,000 years ago—it’s about what’s happening now in our hearts, homes, and communities. In a world often clouded by anxiety, division, and digital overload, Easter invites us to start fresh.

Ryan Abramson often speaks about how faith and community create space for authenticity and healing. In his view, Easter offers three key types of renewal:

1. Spiritual Renewal: A chance to reassess one’s relationship with God, seek forgiveness, and embrace grace.

2. Relational Renewal: A time to reconnect with family, extend forgiveness, and share traditions with the next generation.

3. Personal Renewal: An opportunity for personal reflection—perhaps to reset goals, restore balance, or recommit to one’s values.

Whether through silent prayer in a pew, a walk through spring blossoms, or a shared toast over Easter dinner, renewal is available to all.

Faith in the Spotlight: The Rise of “The Chosen”

Faith isn’t only flourishing in churches—it’s trending in entertainment. One striking example is the hit series The Chosen, a crowd-funded TV show depicting the life of Jesus through the eyes of His followers.

With millions of global views and translations in over 50 languages, The Chosen has redefined what faith-based media can achieve. Its raw storytelling, emotional depth, and authentic character development resonate with both believers and seekers.

The popularity of the show highlights a growing hunger for stories rooted in hope, resilience, and redemption. It also proves that religious narratives, when told with sincerity and creativity, have mainstream appeal.

For Ryan Abramson, Catholic perspectives like those seen in The Chosen offer a refreshing portrayal of the Gospel’s power in real lives. These cultural moments invite new generations to explore faith outside traditional formats, blending technology, art, and belief.

Why Easter Still Matters

In a time of skepticism and secularism, one might ask: Does Easter still matter?

Absolutely. According to Gallup’s annual polls, while church attendance has declined in some areas, spirituality remains vibrant. A majority of Americans still believe in God, and over 60% consider religion “very” or “somewhat” important in their lives.

Globally, faith continues to be a cornerstone of identity. Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism all have their own springtime festivals—Ramadan, Holi, and Passover—that reflect similar themes of renewal, sacrifice, and divine connection.

Yet among these, Easter holds a unique place as the celebration of divine victory over death. It’s a call to transformation that resonates regardless of how you worship. Whether you kneel before a cross, sit quietly in meditation, or simply share dinner with loved ones, Easter’s message is universal: Love conquers, life renews, and hope endures.

Conclusion: The Everlasting Light of Easter

Easter reminds us that we are never too far gone for a new beginning. From the solemnity of Good Friday to the jubilance of Easter morning, it is a journey through the deepest human emotions toward ultimate hope.

For Ryan Abramson and countless others who find identity in the Ryan Abramson Catholic tradition, Easter is both personal and universal. It is the time to believe again, love again, and rise again.

In celebrating Easter, we recommit ourselves to the principles that matter most—faith in something greater, family that holds us together, and the possibility of becoming new. Let us embrace this holy season, not only for its traditions, but for its invitation to truly live.

Works Cited

• Catechism of the Catholic Church. Vatican.va.

• Pew Research Center. “The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050.” PewForum.org.

• Gallup News. “Religion.” Gallup.com.

• The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. USCCB.org.

• “The Chosen.” Angel Studios.

• World Population Review. “Christian Population by Country.”

• Abramson, Ryan. Personal reflections on Easter in Bucks County and Catholic tradition.