Cardinal
Rigali's Easter letter 2008
Archdiocese
of Philadelphia
Office of the Cardinal
222 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-1299
Easter
2008
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
May the grace and peace of the Risen Lord Jesus be with you!
The Church proclaims with renewed devotion and joy the victory of her
Lord and Savior over sin and death. The words of the angel to Mary Magdalene
at the empty tomb, announced to us once again at the Vigil of Easter,
stir within the heart of the Church sentiments of profound hope: “He
is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Then go quickly and
tell his disciples” (Mt. 28: 6-7).
How important these words are for us as the Church of Philadelphia as
we end the celebration of our founding as a diocese 200 years ago. The
same passage from the Gospel of Saint Matthew tells us that in response
to this word of God made known to Mary Magdalene and the other women by
the angel, “… they went quickly away from the tomb, fearful
yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples” (Mt. 28:8).
I pray that our devout keeping of the season of Lent and our celebration
of our Bicentennial Year have prepared us well to renew this Easter with
firm conviction our faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our willingness
to make Him known to others.
A Blessed Easter to you all!
Sincerely in Christ,
Cardinal
Justin Rigali
Archbishop of Philadelphia
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