The Crib of Jesus lies always in the shadow of the Cross. The silence and poverty of the birth in Bethlehem are one with the darkness and pain of the death on Calvary. The Crib and the Cross are the same mystery of redemptive love; the body which Mary laid in the manger is the same body offered up on the Cross. (Homily of St. John Paul II, Bethlehem, 22 March 2000, n. 3)
As “pilgrims of hope” in this Jubilee Year, we celebrate together the great Paschal mystery of the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to walk the path together. Walking together means being weavers of unity, starting from the common dignity of being children of God. We move in the same direction, toward the Paschal victory, listening to one another with love and patience.
Jesus, our love and our hope, is Risen and lives and reigns in glory. Death has been transformed into victory, and this is the faith and the great hope of Christians: in the Resurrection of Christ!
Happy Easter 2025
Fr. George Kraj OFM
Director & Staff of the
Christian Information Center
Franciscan Pilgrims’ Office
& Corner Bookshop
