An Easter Message from Archbishop Charles C. Thompson

(En Espanol)
 

Easter Greetings to All in Christ!

This is our third Easter since the onset of the COVID pandemic. During Easter 2020, very few were able to gather in churches. For Easter 2021, many were still anxious about gathering with others. While there are lingering effects of the virus, especially in the form of variants, we are ready to celebrate Easter 2022 with great joy and solemnity.

Our pastors and parish staffs continue to provide tremendous care and safety for our liturgical celebrations. All are welcome to join in the celebration of the Sacred Triduum—Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil—as well as Mass on Easter Sunday and throughout the Easter season, the apex of our entire liturgical year.

This year’s celebration of Easter occurs within the first of a three-year Eucharistic Revival for the Catholic Church throughout the United States. It is the long-standing teaching of our Church that the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of Catholic identity and mission. At the heart of this teaching is our core belief in the Eucharist as the Real Presence of Jesus Christ—His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity.

It is through the Passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we are saved. It is through the Institution of the Eucharist as His Body and Blood at the Last Supper—which we commemorate on Holy Thursday, in anticipation of His crucifixion as commemorated on Good Friday—that His Church founded upon St. Peter and the Apostles comes about and remains.

In the Eucharist, we do not celebrate a thing but a person. The celebration of Mass is an event, an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ.

Easter is the pivotal moment of encountering His victory over sin and death, as realized in the transformation of the cross as a sign of our redemption rather than a means of condemnation. It is for this reason that we have cause to rejoice.

Indeed, we proclaim Jesus Christ as Risen! Alleluia, Alleluia! May the Risen Lord Jesus Christ raise our minds and hearts in praise of the Holy Trinity—God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit—in communion with the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints. In Him, we are saved!

Blessed Easter!

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson