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April 13, 2017
Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone
THE RISEN CHRIST IS DEPICTED IN THE PAINTING “RESURRECTION” BY 15TH-CENTURY ITALIAN MASTER ANDREA MANTEGNA. (CNS/BRIDGEMAN IMAGES)Easter is the high point of the church year, the culmination of the saving mysteries that Jesus has embodied. From what seems to be utter defeat, Jesus emerges as the victor. His humble self-sacrifice has been not a failure, but the fulfillment of his mission to save us. He has faced and vanquished our deepest fear, the fear of death, and he has made possible the fulfillment of our deepest desire, which is true intimacy with God Himself.
At this holy time, we as a church journey through the darkness of the tomb and into the joy of God’s light. And we remember with special gratitude the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom we will consecrate our archdiocese later this year. She bore our Savior, and in sorrow saw Him sacrificed. Imagine the joy and awe she felt at his glorious Resurrection. I wish you every blessing this Easter, and hope that you also share in the joy and awe of this saving moment.