This Easter morning we celebrate the central mystery of our faith, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He suffered on the cross and died for us, but now he is risen! Filled with the spirit of Easter joy, we proclaim the might and glory of God.

We gather around the Easter candle, celebrating the Lord’s resurrection. With that light to illumine our way, we remember how God has cared for humanity from the dawn of time. The readings from both testaments remind us what happened at the highpoints of our history.

Chris McDonnell writing in the Catholic Times reflects on these days of commemoration.

Our prayers and sympathies go to the Catholic community of Paris and to all French people following the devasting fire at Notre Dame Cathedral.

Updated - Notre-Dame refleurira!

Clericalism is a world wide problem in the church. But, are (we) priests in utter denial?
The Jesuit Institute of South Africa have published a challenging article on their website.
"There are, it seems, a growing number of us priests who would be better off heading-up dictatorial fiefdoms...... Priests have, for many people, become the weekly cross they bear."

Joe O Leary writes on Holy Week.
"At the heart of our faith lies the death of Christ, which is not a mere sudden event of long ago but a vast space that contains all human experience of suffering and death, guilt and despair. Descending into that chasm in meditation, we find that it is a gracious place, throbbing with the promise of resurrection."

Does anyone care to share their parish experiences, share what actually happens with parish celebrations of the Vigil rather than the ideal one would wish for?

Audio reflection on Holy Week by Vincent Sherlock, as broadcast on Mid West Radio’s Faith Alive programme.

Mary T. Malone
How Women founded Christianity and may revive it today
Followed by Q & A
7.30 pm Monday 13 May 2019
Mercy Centre International, 64A Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2

Brendan Hoban, writing in the Western People, looks at Archbishop Martin's recent comments about the future of the church.
"So did he say anything new? Not really. Nothing that most people in Ireland are not saying in parish councils. Or when they’re standing outside schools waiting for their children. Or at pub counters. The sort of things that most priests know though they often won’t admit it even to themselves. Just some realistic thinking out loud on where we are and where we need to be – unusual, it has to be said, for Irish bishops."