Dear friends in Christ
On this Octave of Easter we renew the joy of our celebration of the Resurrection of The Lord!
In the Gospel of the Mass this Sunday we hear of the Easter evening appearance of Jesus to the Apostles in the upper room. Thomas, because of his incredulity, is brought to a simple but profound act of faith when he meets the Risen Jesus: My Lord and my God! These words have been used to express Eucharistic piety, especially at the moment of the consecration at Mass. The Canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis, scheduled for this Sunday—feast of Divine Mercy—has been postponed following the death of Pope Francis. Blessed Carlo, however, remains as a modern-day Saint of devotion to the Blessed Eucharist and we look forward to the day, not too distant hopefully, when we will venerate him as a Saint.
On a personal note, thank you so much for all your Easter greetings and gifts. Above all, thank you for your many prayers, cards and kind words on the death of my dear father, William, that occurred on Wednesday of Holy Week. After the celebration of the Chrism Mass in our Cathedral, I was called to the Hospital and was able to speak and pray with him before he peacefully passed away shortly afterwards. In much the same manner as when my Mother died 2009, it was a time of serenity, filled with Christian hope and joy in Resurrection. Thank you all for your kindness and understanding over the last couple of years during his prolonged illness. Requiescat in pace.
We also offer prayers in these days for the eternal repose of the soul of Pope Francis. May God reward him for his generous service as Universal Pastor of the Church these last twelve years. Let us now pray earnestly for a Successor to guide the Church in the Faith of the Apostles!
May God continue to bless you in this Easter season!
Msgr Kevin Hale