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.

During this time of isolation, it is very difficult to think, meditate and write about Easter. The churches are closed and we do not know at what point the COVID-19 infection will peak. 

On Palm Sunday, after I read the Passion narrative of St. Matthew’s Gospel, alone in our parish church at the Masses, I could not help but think of how much we have in common this Easter with the first disciples of Jesus.

While the VIDO-Intervac laboratory at the University of Saskatchewan is working flat-out on a vaccine for COVID-19, bishops from all over Saskatchewan have come together to launch a laboratory of their own to work on the elusive formula for Christian unity.

Joseph of Arimathea saw something that others on the Jewish council did not. In St. Luke’s telling of the story, Joseph was not only a good and righteous man, “he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God.”

In many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic can be seen as a test of our commitment to answer our call as Catholics to express our faith beyond the bricks and mortar church building and organized gatherings. 

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

It was wet and dreary in an empty St. Peter’s Square March 27 as Pope Francis bestowed on Rome and the world an extraordinary blessing in these extraordinary times. But he defied the gloom of COVID-19 with a much-needed testament of hope amid this crisis, a hope conferred on us by the risen Lord that comforts us in hard times and which we celebrate with particular joy at Easter.

The journey to Easter in 2020 has been a journey like no other.

Resurrection of the Lord, April 12 (Year A) Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Psalm 118; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18

When is good news truly good news? When it comes at the right time, giving people hope and comfort.

In the Diocese of Hamilton, the annual celebration of the Mass of Chrism takes place at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Monday of Holy Week. 

VANCOUVER - Redemptorist Fr. Babu Mathew is hoping his parishioners feel the love this Easter season.

Second Sunday of Easter, April 28 (Year C) Acts 5:12-16; Psalm 118; Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; John 20:19-31

The spread of Christianity began not with reasoned arguments or carefully planned strategies. People responded in droves to what Luke describes as “signs and wonders” — language that resonated with the events of Exodus.