The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is continuing a tradition wherein the faithful can receive a special "drive-by" Easter blessing this Sunday.

"For the third year in a row, we invite you to receive a special blessing from the bishops this Easter!" the archdiocese said in a Facebook post this week. "Drive past the Cathedral this Easter (April 17) from 2-3:30 p.m. Please remain in your car. Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishop Joseph Williams will be standing outside to offer a blessing for you and your family as you drive past!"

The Easter season is the most important season of the liturgical calendar, running for 50 days—from Easter Sunday until Pentecost, a report from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) said. The word Easter comes from Old English and means "East." The sun rises in the east, lighting the world with warmth and hope, and in the same way the risen Christ is the Light of the world. Used during Easter Vigil Masses, the Paschal Candle symbolizes Christ's light. 

This year Easter Sunday falls on April 17. 

The Gospel reading for this year's Easter Mass comes from the book of John, chapter 20; the USCCB said. 

The passage tells of Mary Magdalene as she returned to the tomb where Jesus had been buried, only to find the stone that had blocked the entrance rolled aside. Mary ran to tell two of Jesus' disciples, who returned to the tomb with her. Simon Peter went inside the tomb and found Jesus' burial cloths. The disciples did not yet understand that Jesus had risen from the dead, in accordance with Scripture.

Easter celebrates Jesus' Resurrection from death, three days after he was crucified; a report on Christianity.com said. The Resurrection not only confirmed that Jesus was the true Son of God, it also granted eternal life in Heaven to those who believe in him. The Resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without the Resurrection, there could be no Christianity.