In Jamaica, the Easter season starts with a public holiday on Ash Wednesday. For our program director in Jamaica, Sonja Robinson, and her family, that Ash Wednesday church service is the first of many they’ll attend during Lent.

“It’s a very religious time for us,” she explained. “During Lent there’s a level of reflection and reconciliation. We give up things and try to do things that will make us a better person and a better Christian.”

Giving up “flesh meat” on Fridays during Lent is a Christian tradition dating back from the first century. It was started to honor Christ who sacrificed his flesh on Good Friday.

Sonja explained that her family doesn’t just give up meat on Fridays, but for the entire season of Lent. “We eat a LOT of fish!” she said. 

This is also the season when Easter buns appear in Jamaica. The soft, sweet buns are eaten with thick cuts of cheese between each slice. The sweet and savory treat is a tradition that Sonja, and many Jamaicans, look forward to each year.  

“Easter is my favorite time of the year,” Sonja said. “We’re celebrating that Jesus died for us so that our sins may be forgiven. We can be washed clean and have a new lease on life.”

To reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and celebrate the season, Sonja and her family attend multiple services. “It’s the main thing during this time, for most Jamaicans,” she said. “You’re in church.”

During Holy Week, Sonja and her family will attend church on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and they’ll have a night vigil on Holy Saturday, with the service lasting until after midnight.

Then on Easter Sunday, there’s a celebration, Sonja explained, with a hearty meal. (And lots of meat!) For her, it’s about more than the food—it’s a special time to slow down and truly savor moments with her family.

“Like Jesus, who came to serve and not to be served, Easter reminds us to lead with humility, compassion, and love,” Sonja said. “It’s a sacred time to reflect, renew our commitment to others, and continue helping those in need.”

International Samaritan is a Christ-centered organization built on Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people who live and work in the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty.

We provide holistic scholarships for students from kindergarten through college, and we’re currently supporting 950 scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.

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Sonja M. Robinson, Program Director

Sonja holds a Ph.D. in Workforce Development and Education from Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s in Communication for Social and Behavior Change from the University of the West Indies. She has played the roles of counselor, mentor, trainer, and educator. Sonja believes in living a life of purpose and service.