A most joyful day in my ministry as your bishop is the First Sunday of Lent when we celebrate the Rite of Election. It is a beautiful moment when the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen is filled to overflowing with those of you entering the Church, together with your godparents, sponsors, parish priests, catechists and friends.  

Easter is plainly the solemn feast celebrating the resurrection of Christ. It is fine to say Happy Easter. The origin of the word “Easter” is complex.

Pope Leo XIV washed and kissed the feet of 12 priests on Holy Thursday in his first Easter Triduum liturgy as pope, saying that Jesus taught us how to love like he loves during the Last Supper.

That commitment to fostering community, even in challenging circumstances, defined Father Frank Brauer’s priesthood. He died March 30 in Florida after a short time in hospice care. He was 79.

From solemn processions in Spain to dramatic reenactments of Christ’s passion in an El Salvadoran prison yard, Catholics around the world commemorate Holy Week with traditions molded by their history, culture and faith.