Dear parishioners and friends:

Each year we celebrate the great mystery of Easter: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the core of the Christian Gospel. St. Paul says that if Christ is not raised from the dead, then our preaching and hope are in vain (1Cor. 15:14). Certainly, without the resurrection, there would be no Christian preaching or faith.

Our Church helps us with a time of preparation to experience more deeply the meaning of this mystery.  As a Mother, the Church teaches us the ways of the Lord and invites us to go through a time of renewal of our Faith to receive the graces the Risen Lord gives us at Easter.

Without the resurrection, our life would be meaningless and without purpose.
 
The 2022 Easter celebration, for most of us, is still marked by suffering. The pandemic caused the loss of relatives and friends we cared for so much. The pain continues deep in our hearts, even though Jesus gives us the example of how to overcome it. 

Then by the end of February we witnessed the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The killings and separation of families fleeing their country looking for security in a land they do not know increased their sufferings. It is hard to celebrate the joy of Easter in those situations. 

But Lent is an intensely penitential time as we examine our sinful nature and return to the God, who is mercy and love. Lent is also an opportunity to contemplate what our Lord really did for us on the Cross - and it wasn't pretty! But ultimately, the purpose of Lent does not stop at being sad or afraid - it points us to the hope of the Resurrection and the day when every tear will be wiped (Rev. 21:4). 

Therefore, there is HOPE for all of us. We should not give up. Easter will last forever. 

Our faith tells us that we will share Jesus’ Resurrection and His new life.

We wish you all HAPPY EASTER.

Fr. Sergio Dall’Agnese, CS
Fr. Peter P. Polo, CS