Happy Easter from the Oblates!

This Easter is doubly special and a great occasion to celebrate. Last year, all of us missed out on our normal Easter festivities. There were no church services (apart from online), there were no family gatherings. Much of the year has been spent ‘in the tomb’, waiting for the resurrection. Although this year still had its limitations, we can all rejoice that we are ‘out of the tomb’ and have some possibility to pray at Church and to be with family. Easter is the culmination of the Church year and the time for us Christians to reflect on many important things. We commemorate Jesus’ acts of humble service and his image of servant leadership on Holy Thursday; we give thanks for the gift of the Eucharist, the ever-lasting sign of his love for us. We acknowledge his suffering and death on Good Friday; with gentle hearts we offer our praise for his sacrifice that redeems us all. Then, together we rejoice on the most holy of nights, on Easter Saturday, that Christ’s love triumphed over death and restores us to new life. Finally, on Easter Sunday, we go to the empty tomb with the women and in faith we say, “He is Risen, Alleluia!” That empty tomb is a simple and stark image for us, which reminds us of God’s great power and that everything is not in vain. God works wonders in the darkness and he brings us all to the light of new life. There have been many dark days over the last twelve months and in many parts of the world there still are. So thank God for his blessings on us today and we pray for those still in darkness, that soon they will see the light.

Many blessings upon you and your families this Easter season.

From the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.