Dear friends in Christ,
“Christ is Risen! Alleluia!”
What a joy it is to greet you with these triumphant words this Easter! They are more than just a seasonal greeting—they are the very heart of who we are as Christians. Christ’s Resurrection is not only a moment in history, but the victory that gives meaning to our lives today: light has overcome darkness, grace has conquered sin, and life has triumphed over death.
One of the most beautiful things about the Easter story is its sense of movement. The Gospel is alive with it: Mary Magdalene runs to tell Peter and John that the tomb is empty. They run to see for themselves. Mary remains, and in her waiting, she sees the Risen Lord—and then she runs again to share the Good News. That’s the Church at her best: not standing still, but going forth with joy.
We are meant to be like Mary Magdalene—so moved by our encounter with Jesus that we cannot help but share it. She is the first witness of the Resurrection, and she shows us what it means to be missionary disciples—running, proclaiming, living the Good News with our whole lives. Each year at the Easter Vigil, I’m struck by that powerful moment when the new Paschal Candle is carried into the dark church. From one small flame, light begins to spread, until the whole church is glowing. That image stays with me—because it speaks of hope. It reminds me that even the smallest light, shared in love, can change everything. And it reminds me of you—each one of you holding your light in faith, and sharing it with the world.
These are challenging times we’re living in. There’s much in our world and in our own country that feels uncertain or divided. But Easter is God’s definitive answer to fear and despair: Christ is Risen! And because of that, we can never give up hope. Now more than ever, the world needs what we have—the light of Christ, alive in us. St. Paul says, “If Christ has not been raised, then our faith is in vain” (1 Cor 15:14). But He has been raised—and that changes everything. So let’s live like people who believe it. Let’s be Easter People—not just in word, but in the way we love, serve, forgive, and go forth. Let’s be “running disciples,” like Mary and Peter and John—people who move with joy because we’ve encountered the Risen Lord.
And here’s something beautiful to remember: Easter is not just a day, it’s a season—a full 50 days, leading us to the great feast of Pentecost. The Church, in her wisdom, knows that such a great mystery needs time to sink in, to shape us, to transform us. And at the heart of this season is what we call the Octave of Easter—the eight days from Easter Sunday to Divine Mercy Sunday—which the Church celebrates as if each day were Easter itself. That’s how important this feast is. That’s how much joy we’re meant to carry—not for one morning, but for a lifetime.
So don’t rush past the Resurrection. Let it continue to fill you, inspire you, and change you. Let the light of Easter permeate your daily life—your relationships, your work, your family, your prayer. Let the Risen Lord walk with you throughout these 50 days and beyond.
To all who served so generously during Lent and Holy Week—our clergy, staff, volunteers, and ministers—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your faith and dedication are a blessing to us all. And to our newly baptized and confirmed brothers and sisters: welcome to the family! Your courage and commitment inspire us. We rejoice with you, and we will walk this journey of faith together with you.
This Easter, may the light of Christ fill your hearts and your homes. May His peace surround you, His love sustain you, and His joy move you to go forth and share the Good News.
With love and Easter blessings,
Msgr. “John” Cuong M. Pham