April 19, 2019

An Easter greeting from Archbishop Charles C. Thompson

(En Español)

Archbishop Charles C. ThompsonDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I greet you in the grace and peace of the Risen Jesus Christ. In the words of Pope Francis’ most recent apostolic exhortation, following the 2018 Synod of Bishops on “young people, the faith and vocational discernment,” “Christus Vivit” (“Christ is Alive”)!

Easter is the pivotal moment of our entire liturgical year for Catholics, indeed, for all Christians. Throughout the course of the liturgical year, we proclaim the Good News of salvation, the Kingdom of God at hand. Imbued with the Gospel joy of Easter, we celebrate Jesus Christ’s victory over sin and death for our salvation.

Having journeyed through the Lenten season, culminating with Holy Week, especially the three great days known as the Triduum, we now begin 50 days of Easter celebration to mark our belief in the forgiveness of our sins and redemption through the passion, death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. Over the course of these 50 days leading up to the feast of Pentecost, we take the opportunity to raise our minds, hearts and voices in gratitude of what God has done for us, and to rejoice in praise and thanksgiving.

Regardless of the burdens, injustices and brokenness that may continue to plague our world, families and lives, we rejoice in the divine triumph that transforms all things in Jesus Christ.

The celebration of Easter reminds us that, as the cross was transformed from being a sign of condemnation, shame and death into the ultimate sign of redemption, forgiveness and eternal life, our lives are also being transformed. We have cause for rejoicing, once again announcing to all the world, Christ is Alive!

Blessed Easter!

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson

Local site Links: