Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Diocese of Providence:
A blessed and happy Easter to you!
We recall that when the holy Apostles and the devout women went to the tomb on Easter morning, they found that the tomb was empty and they were greeted by angels with the question: “Why do you seek the Living One among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised.” (Lk 24:5-6) That question, and that statement, have resounded through the ages, and they give the world, and they give us new hope, new strength and the promise of new and eternal life!
On this day and throughout this season the Church and the world are filled with “alleluias,” a word that means “praise the Lord.” We praise the Lord because Jesus has been raised from the dead and the ancient promises have been fulfilled.
We praise the Lord because Jesus has given us reason to keep on going, even in the midst of the trials and tribulations of our time. And we praise the Lord because Jesus has destroyed death and opened wide the Gates of Heaven to all who believe!
Dear friends, I extend my fervent prayers and Easter blessings to you and your loved ones. May you truly know the peace and joy of the Risen Christ, and may Almighty God bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, D.D.
