Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Releases Easter Message Encouraging Joy Over Fear

WASHINGTON—CardinalDaniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the UnitedStates Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following Eastermessage as we celebrate the joy of Christ's Resurrection.

A video version of Cardinal DiNardo'sEaster message is also available at:  https://www.facebook.com/usccb/videos/10154506949682285/

Full statementfollows:

"Through Christ's passion, His burial inthe tomb and His glorious resurrection, we come to realize the enormity of theLord's sacrifice for us. We may feel unworthy of His love who paid sohigh a price for our salvation. Let us not be afraid. Let's allowourselves to be taken – even seized – with Easter joy. As we proclaim on EasterSunday, 'Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.'

In the Gospel of John, chapter 10, Jesussays the shepherd calls his own sheep by name, 'I am the Good Shepherd and Iknow mine.' In chapter 20, how much fear and doubt must have gripped Mary ofMagdala as she stood by the tomb? There, it was Jesus who rescued Maryfrom her fears and darkness by calling her name. Listen carefully.  Marythought she had discovered the Risen Lord, but it was the Risen Lord whodiscovered her. Jesus calls out to each of us by name today as He did the veryfirst Easter Sunday. His promise fulfilled. His word brings life, 'Iam the Good Shepherd and I know mine.'

Jesus waits for you and me, embracing usin our moments of greatest need and desire. Welcome the love of God intoyour life. Share it those around you, especially the most vulnerable of oursisters and brothers. In this way, we proclaim with Mary, 'I have seenthe Lord.' Sing joyfully, 'the Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.' Happy Easter!"

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Keywords:Easter, Risen Christ, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, U.S. Conference of CatholicBishops, USCCB, Resurrection, Gospel of John, Good Shepherd, Mary of Magdala,Prince of Life, joy.

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