Former England all-rounder and current Kent head coach gives a unique perspective on Easter.
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Former England all-rounder Adam Hollioake is a true believer in God. The PCA England Legends regular frequently goes to the church and has attended services at the iconic Canterbury Cathedral multiple times.
The current Kent head coach finds Easter a perfect period to put his faith and family at the forefront. He was born in a religious family but believes that everyone needs to discover their own religion and faith by themselves instead of it being forced upon. Despite the tragedies in his life which made him distant from his faith, he rediscovered it again and is now a firm believer in everything happening for a reason and a higher purpose.
Hollioake has an incredibly unique take on Easter. From comparing the Easter Bunny to T20 cricket to his distinctive thoughts on the Lent period, the 53-year-old has some strong opinions on the festival and religion in general which he has shared with the PCA.
Easter is a festival which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus three days after he was crucified, holding significant importance amongst the Christian community worldwide.
The festive period commences on Good Friday, the day Jesus was executed which leads to Easter Sunday, a day marking the resurrection.
There are many different ways in which Easter is celebrated in modern times, including church services, Easter egg hunts, giving presents and enjoying the period with friends and family.
The Association takes pride in the diverse nature of its members. Occasions like Easter allow players to share their stories with their fellow cricketing colleagues, allowing others to learn more about the culture and heritage of their peers.
- Can you explain what Easter is?
- Hollioake: Easter is when Jesus was crucified and then three days later resurrected. The significance of it is that it’s the greatest miracle that the world has ever seen. Everybody loves a miracle, and we all want to believe when we die that we are going somewhere greater. So, for me, it’s that belief and knowing that Jesus died and then rose again is something that can also happen to us. Maybe not back onto Earth, but into heaven or wherever we go when we die.
- What does Easter mean to you and how do you personally celebrate the festival?
- Hollioake: I double down on spending as much time as I can with my family during Easter. I would be lying if I say I sit there all Easter and pray but god does come to the forefront of my mind a bit more during this period. I just try and take a break from the monotony of my life and be a bit more conscious of my loved ones.
- Do you give up on something dear to you during the Lent period? What are your opinions on others who follow the practice?
- Hollioake: The sacrifice for me is to try and be a better person every day, not just during Easter and Christmas. I do not feel like I need to give up anything extra.
But I am also not judgmental. I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and will continue to make them. I am not going to point my fingers at anyone for sacrificing something during the Lent period because my own hands are not clean. I certainly do not judge people on their religious beliefs or the things they give up as everyone has their own paths which you have to respect.
- As Kent’s head coach, and with the club being part of the Muslim Athlete Charter how important is it for you create an open atmosphere in the dressing room where each and every religion and faith are respected?
- Hollioake: It is crucial. We have got Kashif Ali, who joined us recently and I have made everyone aware that he’s Muslim and that we need to respect his beliefs and take time to learn about the Muslim faith. One thing we do have to be is understanding of one another and not judge people based on what their faith is.
- What are your opinions on the Easter Bunny? Has it just become a commercial gimmick in modern times, or does it help to spread the word of Easter and Christianity to the world?
- Hollioake: It is probably like T20 cricket, isn’t it? So, it brings more awareness to the bigger picture. Most of us think Test cricket is the best form of the game and T20 brings awareness to Test cricket. Similarly, the Easter Bunny brings awareness to the festival and if people need some chocolates and an Easter Bunny to become aware and begin their journey towards following their faith, then that is wonderful!
