April 12th, 2009

My Dear Friends in Christ,

"This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad!" (Psalm 118:24).

Easter is a time of great joy in the Church as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His victory over death. Our Lenten journey is complete and now we look to the promise of eternal salvation.

On Easter Sunday, we renew our baptismal promises, rejecting Satan and vowing to be faithful servants to God. We should use the 50 days of the Easter season leading up to Pentecost to rejoice, but also to reflect upon Christ's teachings and to strengthen our commitment to our faith.

Let us continue to resist evil, to examine what is in our hearts, and to live the Gospel message of love, peace and joy every day.

Sincerely in Christ,
+Most Rev. Edward U. Kmiec
Bishop of Buffalo