May the joy of the Risen Lord fill your life! The power of sin, death, and darkness has lost its sting in Jesus Christ’s triumph over the grave. May you and your family experience the joy and peace of the Resurrection.
In our parishes, we focused on silence during our 40-day journey through Lent. Easter would be a great time to meditate on the Resurrection of Jesus from the tomb. Think about what it would be like to sit outside the empty tomb: watching the guards regain consciousness, or listening to the rumor-mill discuss what happened. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead would have baffled everyone. They actually made conspiracy theories that His body was stolen (Matthew 28:11-15).
The stories of Jesus rising from the dead are marvelous to pray with. They convey the confusion, joy, and confidence of the Resurrection. Finally, death and sin have no power; Christ is the King of victory.
The joy of victory doesn’t end today. It continues until the celebration of Pentecost on May 19. Even more immediate is the Octave of Easter. From this Sunday until next Sunday, April 7, we celebrate each day as if it were Easter. This culminates in next Sunday’s celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday.
Since the year 2000, the Sunday after Easter has been celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday. In the 1930s, Jesus appeared to a Polish nun named St. Faustina Kowalska and stated:
“My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and a shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day are opened all the divine floodgates through which graces flow. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My mercy.”
This year, we have our Divine Mercy Service at 3pm on Sunday, April 7 at St. Joseph Church in Wapakoneta. In the past, the service has been in Botkins, however with the Eclipse, we are anticipating visitors to Wapakoneta for the weekend. Maybe some visitors will come to the service to experience the depth of Christ’s mercy.
In regards to the eclipse, our parishes won’t be doing much. There were many possibilities discussed: selling parking spots, organizing festivities, and offering hospitality. However, in discussing it with many groups, it didn’t seem like anyone wanted to leave their house with the anticipated traffic and there just didn’t seem to be a huge desire to pour tons of our time and energy into the eclipse, so we’ll be laying low on Monday, April 7. There will be morning Mass at Immaculate Conception, but everything else will be closed including the parish office and the Adoration Chapels.
Finally, last week we announced that Archbishop Schnurr has decreed that our four parishes will be merged into the Holy Face of Jesus Parish. This will take effect on July 1, 2024. This is an exciting step. There are copies of the decree at the doors and more information on the parish website.
Have a blessed Easter!
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Sean Wilson
