On April 12 at sundown, Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world will pause to gather for the most important annual event for Christians – the Memorial of Jesus’ death.
The day corresponds to Nisan 14 of the Jewish calendar. It was that day when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Evening Meal hours before his death more than 2,000 years ago.
The Memorial commemoration this year is the culmination of the month-long global campaign of Jehovah’s Witnesses to invite as many people as possible to commemorate the Lord’s Evening Meal.
The Memorial is in adherence to Jesus’ words recorded at Luke 22:19, “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.”
“While there are more than 9 million Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide, more than 21 million people attended the Memorial last year,” said James Morales, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “We hope our local community members will join us in remembering the death of Jesus Christ and reflecting on its profound significance.”
In the Philippines, there are more than 266,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses who will be gathering for the Memorial in their place of worship called Kingdom Halls as well as in various locations nationwide. Locations of the Memorial can be found on the About Us section of their official website, jw.org.
The annual observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal will feature a talk highlighting the importance of Jesus’ death and how all mankind benefits from his sacrifice.
“Jehovah and Jesus endured the greatest pain so we may not feel it anymore. So by going to the Memorial, I give myself a chance to strengthen my love for them, and show in my own little way that I appreciate the gift of ransom they have given,” said Bianca Pausanos who lives in Quezon City.
Bianca and her 13-year-old sister, Abigail, also participated in the Memorial campaign invitation by going door to door and in public places such as parks and marketplaces. They have also given out handwritten letters to invite the people to the Memorial.
“I can never repay Jehovah and Jesus for the love they have shown us, but I can show my thankfulness by attending and inviting others to the Memorial. This way, we may remember their love for us as well as show our love for them,” Abigail said.
The event is one hour in duration and is free and open to the public. More information on how a world filled with peace, free of suffering, with an abundance of food for all, and a life in perfect health will be made possible through Jesus’ death can be viewed on this video, also on the jw.org.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
