Most Rev. William Crean
Bishop of Cloyne
Easter Message 2023
“Peace be with you”
My friends,
Our world is filled with new uncertainty. Many events have come together in recent times that have shaken our sense of calm and confidence.
Covid 19 gave us an awareness of our frailty even mortality before new vaccinations helped us tame its ravages.
Climate Change hangs over us like an ever constant threat of great destruction and devastation, unless we take it seriously and change.
The war in Ukraine leaves us horrified by its cruelty and suffering. The aims and purpose of the leaders that inflict this nightmare on ordinary innocent people defy our understanding.
The rise in the cost-of-living effects all, while housing remains our most urgent need and requirement of individuals and families.
Our journey through Holy Week enables us to join our uncertainty and suffering with the passion of Christ who, though innocent, endured his humiliation for our sake. On the way of the cross he took time to speak to individuals like Pilot and Veronica, leaving Pilot to ask “Truth? What is that? – and Veronica in her compassion to wipe his face left her with his image.
The way of the cross is often the way of life for many. Jesus knows the way and in faith we can walk with him in hope. In hope, because in him, death does not have the last word. In his death is sown the seed of immortality. In him, God blessed us with hope. The Risen Christ is joy, light and hope in the face of whatever form of darkness we meet in life.
If in faith we place our trust in his abiding unfailing love, acceptance, the joy of Easter will radiate anew in our hearts.
Happy Easter.
+ William Crean
