Fr. Laurent Zoungrana, MI

Christ is truly risen, Alleluia!

Dear confreres, brothers and sisters of the Camillian Charismatic Family, dear sick and suffering and all those who care for them, and dear friends of the Camillians,

The Lenten preparation is over; with great joy we celebrate the Easter, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Victory of the Son of God over sin and death.

In the situation of COVID-19 pandemic that inflicts a severe trial on humanity, Easter cannot be celebrated as usual, both liturgically and socially. But this does not take away our profound peace that comes from knowing that the Lord Jesus died and rose again, the pledge of our salvation and our resurrection, the strength of grace for our daily journey. By his death on the Cross and his Resurrection, Jesus has made us brothers and sisters and draws us into the Trinitarian Family.

As Monsignor Domenico Sorrentino, Bishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, says: “While the world suffers from a pandemic that puts many people in difficulty, and makes us feel like brothers in pain, we cannot but feel, above all, the need to become brothers in love.” Yes, we are brothers and sisters not only in pain but also in love; we are brothers and sisters in the love of God manifested in His Firstborn who died and rose again, and we are called to manifest fraternal solidarity and brotherly love in our lives. In the words of Pope Francis, “love does not care if a brother or sister in need comes from one place or another. For ‘love shatters the chains that keep us isolated and separate; in their place, it builds bridges. Love enables us to create one great family, where all of us can feel at home… Love exudes compassion and dignity’” (Fratelli Tutti, 62).

Beloved brothers and sisters, I, together with the Consulta, wish each one of you a Holy Easter; may the graces of this Solemnity make us grow in fraternal solidarity with everyone, especially with those who suffer; may the graces of Easter overflow in our hearts, heal our wounds, alleviate our pain and suffering, pacify our anxieties and fears, enliven our lives, and increase our love for God and for our neighbour.  Let us hear the Angel say to us as to the women on Easter morning: “Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was Crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay” (Mt 28:5).

Like Mary Magdalene, we need to become heralds of Christ’s Resurrection not only with words, but with concrete gestures of fraternal service to the Risen Jesus in every brother and sister.

Happy Easter!

Download here the Easter greetings 2021