In an Easter message to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, Pope Francis prayed that the Holy Spirit would "transform our hearts and make us true peacemakers, especially for war-torn Ukraine."

The joy of Christ's resurrection is needed now more than ever in a time when war in Ukraine and other parts of the world makes the hope for peace seem like an illusion, Pope Francis said before giving his Easter blessing.

Fundraising to secure aid for Ukraine has been an ongoing passion and mission for Bilyana Coburn of Grande Prairie, Alta., for more than six years now. Most of the monetary contributions made by this Grade 5 teacher from St. Catherine Catholic School has gone to orphanages. 

We live in a world when the sin of pride has disfigured the virtues of courage, integrity and perseverance into the ideology of winning even if that requires denying the humanity of others.

On Ash Wednesday, March 1 this year, we began a new journey of faith — our Lenten journey. Our 40-day Lenten journey of penance and austerity brings us to the celebration of Easter: a time of joy, light and life.

The Catholic Register is conducting its 14^th annual children’s Easter drawing contest. The top entry in each of 3 categories will receive a $100 Indigo gift card. The winning drawings will appear in The Register’s Easter edition, March 31, 2024.

VATICAN CITY -- The Easter liturgies -- with the fire, sharing of light from the paschal candle, the renewal of baptismal promises and the proclamation that Jesus has risen -- assure people that it is never too late to start again, Pope Francis said.

The following is the Easter message from Archbishop Richard Gagnon, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and Archbishop of Winnipeg:

The messages of Lent and Easter season hit very close to home for Catholic author Mary Lenaburg.

Think back a year ago … to an Easter Sunday that reverberated with fear and anxiety as the world’s people tried to grasp the enormity of COVID-19.

VATICAN CITY -- If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind the calendar chaos of Easter, look no further than the sun and the moon.

Resurrection of the Lord, April 4 (Year B) Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Psalm 118; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18

Peter had quite a story to tell as he stood before the elders in Jerusalem. He related the ministry of Jesus, who had been anointed with the power of the Spirit by God. His ministry was uncomplicated — doing good and healing people. That should not have been problematic, but it was.

VATICAN CITY -- In an Easter celebration like no other, Pope Francis prayed that Christ, "who has already defeated death and opened for us the way to eternal salvation," would "dispel the darkness of our suffering humanity and lead us into the light of his glorious day, a day that knows no end."

Although choirs are prevented from gathering physically due to COVID-19, it has not stopped many from finding creative ways to come together in song at Easter.

VATICAN CITY -- In a dark and nearly empty St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis blessed a fire, lit the Easter candle and called Christians to keep kindling sparks of hope, knowing that Jesus has risen and death will not have the last word.