Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning! Amen. Alleluia.
– Sequence Victimae Paschali Laudes
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Let us rejoice, for Christ has indeed risen from the dead! We rejoice not out of habit or routine, as if the celebration of Easter was irrelevant to our lives today. No, we rejoice each year on this sacred feast because we recognize just how much our lives have been changed by the resurrection.
When Jesus rose from the dead 2,000 years ago, he conquered more than his own death. That moment also conquered the daily deaths we experience of sin, suffering or trial. We experience his resurrection through receiving the sacraments and participating in the life of the Church. This changes our daily lives. Christ’s resurrection becomes an ever-present moment in our lives, as we experience forgiveness, triumph over vice with virtue, strive for peace and justice, and ardently love one another. At Easter, we celebrate the moment that continues to transform and enliven all the moments of our lives today.
This Easter, I pray that all of us, together, can more fully receive the gift of Christ’s life. I pray that His resurrection becomes the rejuvenating life of our great archdiocese and the cause of our joy. May God bless you and your families with his amazing grace.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee