In Rome, a seminar organized by UISG and US embassy to the Holy See. The testimony of three religious working in Central Africa, the Philippines and Syria.

In Santa Marta the Pope urged an examination of conscience: “Am I free, or am I a slave to my passions, ambitions, riches, or passing fancies?”

“Am I free, or am I a slave to my passions, ambitions, riches, or passing fancies? (It sounds like a joke, but how many people are fashion victims!)”. Let us reflect on our freedom in the midst of a ‘schizophrenic’ world. It shouts ‘Freedom, Freedom, Freedom!’ yet is really a slave.”

It clearly was neither coordinated nor intentional, but this Easter Sunday saw an unusually low governmental and public interaction with Palestinian Christians. It might have been the fact that Easter falls on two different Sundays depending on which calendar one is looking at. While Catholics and Protestants around the world celebrated Easter on April 1, the same day was Palm Sunday for those celebrating Easter according to the Eastern calendar. Orthodox and Coptic Christians celebrate Easter on April 8.

You have heard, O Virgin, that you will conceive and bear a son; you have heard that it will not be by man but by the Holy Spirit [cf Luke 1:31, 34-35]. The angel awaits an answer; it is time for him to return to God who sent him. We too are waiting, O Lady, for your word of compassion; the sentence of condemnation weighs heavily upon us.
The price of our salvation is offered to you. We shall be set free at once if you consent. In the eternal Word of God we all came to be, and behold, we die. In your brief response we are to be remade in order to be recalled to life.

During the general audience, the Pope challenges those who question the opportunity to baptize "a child who does not understand" and points out that with Baptism "the Holy Spirit enters into that child" and makes "the Christian virtues bloom" in them. Baptism is "another birthday, it's the birthday of rebirth," said Francis, who gave the faithful in St. Peter's Square the "homework" to find out the date of their Baptism to honor it duly.

Ever since President Nixon famously “opened” China to the West, the country’s rise as an economic and political superpower has been a thorny nettle to grasp. The conventional wisdom has been that, while there are grave and pervasive issues in China relating to political freedom and human rights, these will be gradually eroded by a developing economy and growing middle class - a process best hastened by open trade and engagement with Western nations.

From Douma the news of a night raid with gas that killed 70 people and intoxicated hundreds more. The Pope, “Political and military leaders should choose negotiation, the only way that can lead to a peace that does not go through death and destruction”.

We must all be partakers in Christ’s Resurrection life

The Lord gives to each one exactly what is needed according to the uniqueness of the person:

God's Easter word to us:

To Mary Magdalene, who witnessed the horror of the crucifixion and was overwhelmed with anguish, the Lord was there, whispering her name ‘Mary!’ in that same familiar comforting tone that she thought was forever gone.

To Thomas, confused, separated from the group, lashing out in the defensive unbelief of dashed dreams, Our Lord presented, ever so gently his torn yet radiant Flesh: “Believe”.

Yes, my son, Christ is risen!

I have a close friend, a mother of six adults, who says the definition of wisdom is having a lot to say — and not saying it. I am always breaking this rule, which I suppose makes me a fool. But sometimes we have to speak from our hearts, even when we risk being misunderstood. Some saints were called “fools for Christ.” Perhaps one day I will have the great joy to be counted among them. Hence, this letter written on Easter Sunday:

My dearest son,