Posted on: April 1, 2021

Bishop's Easter Message 2021

Catholic Diocese of Victoria Office of the Bishop
March 31, 2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The Easter season dawns upon us after a long Covid-19 winter and spring that has challenged us personally and globally, and though it is painful and difficult, I believe that we have discovered a new fraternity in the midst of our fragile interconnected human family. The cross is willingly taken up for others by many, as Christ took it up for the sake of the world, and conversely the cross for many is put upon them, like Simon of Cyrene. Regardless of how the cross comes to us, we know that it is not the end of the story.
Like the daffodils emerging from the dark tomb of the cold earth, the cross will come to reveal brilliant new life. Christ rises from the tomb of death, and gives new life in abundance. Christ’s merciful gaze and tenderness shines brightly upon the shadows of the dark clouds exposed by the pandemic, especially in those who are poor, frail, and on the margins.
My dear family, Jesus is not on the cross, nor in the tomb, HE IS RISEN. Jesus is our life and our hope. To all who are the witness of hope in the love of God and neighbour, Easter is your name; JOY in the Gospel is your claim; PEACE is your passion, all in the name of Jesus’ cross and resurrection.
May this Season of Easter joy enliven us to go forth and bear witness to the Good News, for Jesus is alive and is close to all.
Happy Easter, ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!
In Communion,
Most Reverend Gary Gordon
Bishop of Victoria