Happy Easter! Following our monastic community’s celebration of the Easter Vigil last night I had the strong feeling that now all the restrictions should be lifted just as the Lenten fast had now come to an end. It is such a strange and sad experience to face the reality that the corona virus does not obey the liturgical calendar. Sadly, in our isolation, this unusually strict Lent continues even as Easter Alleluia’s ring out. The Good Friday-like separation from the Sacraments persists even though we proclaim that the Lord is risen.

At the same time, we try to celebrate the coming of the light into the darkness in the ways that we can. We can remember that the Apostles also remained “quarantined” as they huddled in the upper room for fear. Even after they encountered the Risen Lord, it was 50 days before they fully emerged and proclaimed the Resurrection. We can pray that our isolation ends even before 50 days and that we are able not only to return to normal activities but also to take up anew the call to proclaim the Risen Lord.

We have learned new ways of reaching out during this time of quarantine. So many creative expressions of charity and innovative ways of proclaiming Christ have emerged from the restrictions imposed on us. So many churches are broadcasting the liturgy through the internet. May they continue to reach many who are curious and questioning as well as those unable to attend physically even after the quarantine ends.

Through the Institute for Ministry Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary we hosted our first Virtual Triduum Retreat and gathered hundreds of people from around the country via Zoom video conferencing. Many of the participants said it was the most prayerful Triduum they have ever celebrated and would like to do it again next year. We could see so many faces and we had small groups in breakout rooms. There was a sense of closeness and community that honestly surprised me and exceeded my hopes. We have the recorded conferences and personal testimonies available for anyone who would like to listen and be stirred in faith by our wonderful speakers.

Pope Francis in his Urbi et Orbi message for 2020 challenged us to overcome self-centeredness, indifference and division during this time. May we try to respond to his call as we find ways to unite in charity and become docile to the movement of the Holy Spirit in each of our hearts. Once again, a heartfelt Happy Easter to you! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!