Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Christ is Risen, Alleluia!! With hearts full of Easter joy, we celebrate the glorious Resurrection of our Lord! After our Lenten journey—especially so special in this Jubilee Year—and the solemn celebrations of the Holy Triduum, we now stand in awe before the empty tomb, just as Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John did on that first Easter morning.
Following the words of Saint Paul, we proclaim, ‘Death, where is your victory?’ (1 Cor 15:55). Life has triumphed over death. The Resurrection transformed everything for the Apostles: their faith was renewed, their hearts were set on fire, and they were strengthened by the Holy Spirit. They boldly proclaimed what they had seen and experienced.
This Easter, we, too, have heard the joyful proclamation: Christ, our hope, is Risen! His victory fills our lives with new meaning and strengthens us to see with eyes of faith and hearts full of hope. Like the women at the tomb, who were greeted by the angel’s astounding words—“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; He has Risen” (Lk 24:5)—may we encounter the Risen Lord and go forth to share His love and mercy with the world.
In announcing the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis reminded us that hope is at the heart of the Christian life, alongside faith and charity. Inspired by the Easter Sequence, “Yes, Christ, my Hope, is Risen! He goes before you into Galilee”—let us follow Him as pilgrims of hope, trusting that He is with us always.
May the joy and peace of the Risen Lord fill your hearts and homes. I wish you and your families a blessed Easter filled with faith, hope, and joy in the Risen Lord!
With prayers and blessings,
Most Rev. Joseph Dabrowski, C.S.M.A.
Bishop of Charlottetown
