Bishop issues Easter message to Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands.

FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., has issued an Easter Message to Catholics throughout the Fall River Diocese, which comprises Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands.

It follows below in its entirety:

Dear Friends in Christ,

Easter blessings to all! On this glorious feast day, we proclaim with joy: Christ is Risen! He is truly risen!

At last, after preparing throughout the six weeks of Lent, we have reached the pinnacle of our Christian faith: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In His suffering, Jesus was not defeated but proved victorious. God raised Him to new life, turning darkness into light, despair into hope, and suffering into glory. His Resurrection is for us our true source of hope and joy, for Jesus-raised from the dead just as He promised-offers salvation to all who follow Him. His victory over sin and death means new life for us all. This is indeed the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad (Psalm 118:24).

I often think of the symbolism between spring and Easter. Easter falls in early spring, and this year comes after a difficult winter. We long to see signs of nature coming back to life. As nature is renewed in spring, so too are we renewed through Easter. Easter invites us to leave the old behind and embrace a new life of hope, faith, and love for God and for our brothers and sisters. I pray that our Easter joy will help us let go of any sinful ways and put aside old grudges that might separate us from loved ones. I pray that we may reflect the light of the Risen Christ in all those whom we encounter.

At Easter, we rejoice with the thousands of people who have chosen to become Catholic, either through Baptism or by entering into full communion with the Church. This year, even more than in many past years, we are witnessing a growing number of individuals choosing to join the Catholic Church and become part of the community of disciples of Jesus.

In a world often marked by skepticism, doubt, division, violence, discrimination, and war, it is truly a sign of hope–and encouraging news–to witness the commitment of so many people who desire to follow Jesus and live their lives rooted in faith in Him. This is a powerful sign of hope for the future of the Church. Many of those seeking the Catholic Church and embracing the faith are young people. Perhaps they are weary or disillusioned by the technological and digital world or struggling with loneliness and a lack of meaningful human connection. In turning to God, to faith, and to the Church, they are seeking community, purpose, and a deeper way of being connected. This is the beginning of a new life for them–and for us, too–as we renew our baptismal promises at Easter Masses.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in His great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). These words of St. Peter assure us that our Easter hope can help us move forward in faith, knowing that the Resurrected Christ is with us as we confront the challenges of life. May we always trust in God’s promise to sustain us.

I wish you and your family a blessed Easter and pray that the peace of the Risen Christ fill our hearts and homes throughout this Easter season and beyond.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Edgar M. da Cunha

Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.

Bishop of Fall River