From The Bishop

March 27, 2015 My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, The celebration of Easter is rooted in the Paschal Mystery. This mystery is found in the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord. It brings joy to all believers because it contains the spring of God's life-giving mercy. Jesus suffered, died and rose from the dead in order that we might know God's great love, receive forgiveness and experience life eternal. St. Faustina understood this truth when she wrote about Divine Mercy: "God is love, and mercy is his deed, in love it begins, in mercy it is revealed." This connection between mercy and the Paschal Mystery can also be seen in the fact that the First Sunday after Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday. [caption id="attachment_4673" align="alignright" width="300"] Most Reverend Gerard Bergie, D.D.
Bishop of Saint Catharines[/caption] Our Holy Father Pope Francis has often stated that the world needs a more profound experience and understanding of God's mercy. To address this reality, he has recently announced a "Jubilee of Mercy" for the Universal Church. It will begin on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 2015 and conclude on the Feast of Christ the King 2016. This Holy Year will provide us with a wonderful opportunity for greater reflection on the mercy of God which presents a mystery that must be experienced in our daily lives. As we celebrate the Lord's Resurrection let us take a few moments to contemplate the profound meaning of the Paschal Mystery which reveal to us God' s love and mercy for the world. "God is love, and mercy is his deed, in love it begins, in mercy it is revealed." This is a message that the world needs to hear. May our Risen Lord grant you a grace-filled Easter. Yours sincerely in Christ, Most Reverend Gerard Bergie, D.D. Bishop of S t. Catharines