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ather Subhaga of St. Joseph Catholic Church in downtown Denpasar was busy preparing for a series of Easter services starting on April 6.

The 71-year old priest, a native Balinese, believes this year's Easter celebrations will mean so much to the 10,000 Catholics on predominantly Hindu Bali.

"Many of them come from outside of Bali. Only a few are native Balinese," said the priest, who hails from the remote village of Palasari in Jembrana regency in the westernmost part of Bali. Palasari, home to almost 400 Catholic families, is one of the oldest Catholic enclaves on the island besides Tuka and Dalung villages near Denpasar.

"This year, Easter is close to the general election on April 9. The message of Easter is to create peace on earth and return to the path of righteousness, which is very timely," explained Subhaga.

Christians mark Good Friday as the day of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and Easter Sunday as the day of His resurrection. "We *Indonesians*are living in almost chaotic times in which our leaders do not exemplify good conduct. They have broken their promise to bring the country and its people to prosperity and peace," he said.

Natural and manmade disasters repeatedly hit areas across the country. Corruption cases involving officials keep surfacing.

The father said that the message of Easter was universal and could be applied to anybody regardless of their religion, social or cultural background.

"In this year's general election, we will elect new leaders. I hope people choose hardworking, honest and clean representatives so that our country will be in the right hands." Easter could serve as a reminder for all Indonesians to return to balanced and blessed lives.

His church is preparing a big Easter celebration. "We will stage a cultural performance featuring the life of Jesus Christ on Good Friday *April 10* at 3 p.m. in the newly built Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Ubung, Denpasar," he said. Everyone is welcome as the new church can accommodate 1,500 people.

Performers will be lavishly clad in traditional Balinese costumes and perform on a Balinese stage setting, making it a perfect cultural blend. Most churches on Bali have a blend of traditional Balinese and modern architecture. St. Joseph Church on Jl. Kepundung in Denpasar, one of the oldest Catholic churches on Bali, is beautifully constructed with a small version of Balinese Candi Bentar (temple gates) and has ornate Balinese woodcarving. In Palasari village, the church is a grand building combining Gothic and Balinese traditional design.

For Sekar Ayu, a devout Catholic from Dalung village, Easter means "Christian Galungan." Galungan is an important religious celebration for Balinese Hindus.

Starting from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, Sekar will be busy cooking and decorating her humble house. "I am assigned to create penjor *bamboo poles decorated with fruit, flowers, paddy and young coconut leaves* as the main decorations at the church's gate. I am very proud of this."

Sekar will also make a huge offering containing food, cookies and tropical fruit for Easter Sunday prayers.

"I will also cook a delicious breakfast and dinner on Sunday because my daughters and my grandchildren will be here. My daughters' family is Hindu but they still love me very much," said Sekar, who converted to Catholicism in the l960s.

Easter is the happiest time for many children across the world. Decorating and painting eggs, yummy cookies and chocolates will be on the minds of these children.

Rev. Made Tommy from the Seed of Hope orphanage in Dalung will take 60 children to the nearby church to celebrate Easter Sunday. "I really hope these poor children will be happy at Easter as they can play with friends and forget about their misfortune for a while," Made Tommy said.

Many activities and services are being organized by churches in Bali. If you are spending Easter on the island of Bali, you will notice the difference and the uniqueness of the occasion. Just imagine praying at Palasari Catholic church in the middle of forested Jembrana, complete with Balinese decorations on Easter Sunday while listen to a Catholic sermon.

The beauty of Balinese nature and the modest lives of Balinese Christians will hopefully bring you enlightenment.

Local malls, star-rated hotels and restaurants on Bali and Lombok islands are also preparing fun Easter celebrations.

Meuthia Mahardika, the public relations manager of Bali Hyatt in Sanur, said her hotel was offering a special package and Easter breakfast for children.

"Not only will we have special fun, but also a meaningful program for children and adults alike on Easter Sunday."

Kartika Discovery in Kuta is also marking Easter. "I promise to give our guests a special Easter program during the coming holiday," said Dewi Sinta, the hotel's public relations manager.