Archbishop Nelson J. Perez released a special Easter message to the Philadelphia and surrounding region. In it, he celebrates Jesus’ return and life under COVID-19.

A noticeable theme runs through Archbishop Perez’s message: remaining faithful will help you through this crisis more than you could imagine. Our faith allows us to remain hopeful, and we will come out from under this as a united, Christian family.

Archbishop Perez recalls his request at the beginning of Lent: “I asked you to keep your eyes fixed on the outstretched arms of Christ the crucified and Christ the merciful in preparation for the coming of Easter.” 

His request on Easter, when Christ returns, reflects his first request.

“Today, I urge you to keep your eyes fixed on the outstretched arms of Christ the Resurrected. He is there waiting to receive you, to hold you, and to pour the love of God the Father upon you. That love is boundless. It is pure. It is invincible. Neither contagion nor death can conquer it.”

Life during the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult, confusing, and just simply different than what we are collectively used to. We cannot go to school, church, work, and many other businesses freely in the same circumstances or at all. However, God’s love for us is more powerful than we can ever know. His love allows us to navigate these trying times.

Archbishop Perez encourages us to take God’s love as inspiration to pay it forward to others with kindness and love. We must pray for the sick, the suffering, the caregivers, the health professionals, the grocery store workers, and all other essential personnel helping us in this time.  

“These seemingly ominous days will pass and we shall remain united as a Christian family, as a people of hope. May God bless you and your loved ones abundantly and may the peace and joy of the Resurrection be with you always.”

While we cannot come together at Our Lady of Hope School to learn, and celebrate Easter and Jesus’ Resurrection, we can take Archbishop Perez’s message and put good into the world. Happy Easter, and stay safe and well!