EASTER 2026

Dear Sisters and Associates,

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Greetings of peace in the Risen Lord!

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The last episode of Information M.I.C. records two similar events that remind me of the Pascal Mystery that is: the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. These are the inauguration of the new tomb at Mahatamana in Madagascar and the Immaculate Conception Mausoleum in Laval, Canada.

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There is no tomb or mausoleum without death! At the moment of death, we mourn for our loved ones as we feel the separation that death brings. We remember how the person suffered and how they died. Sorrow fills our hearts knowing that we are forever separated from our loved ones in this world. Death is painful to those left behind and there is something about it that remains a mystery to us. 

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On the other hand, a visit to the tomb or mausoleum becomes a joyful event where we celebrate life. The tomb or mausoleum becomes a place of encounter where we share our beautiful memories. In many cultures, we even bring something to eat or drink as we share stories and talk to the memory of the deceased. For instance, the Famadiyana in Madagascar is a very big feast in honour of the dead. We can tell stories of the things our deceased loved. We at times talk to them but there is no response. We may feel their presence, but there is silence. Dead silence.

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Over 2000 years ago, Mary Magdalene experienced this reality when she visited the tomb where Jesus Christ was buried on Good Friday. What she found at the tomb is not what she expected. That visit has changed the course of the history of the world. In the silence of the empty tomb, Mary Magdalene was told that Jesus was risen! She ran to tell the apostles. Peter and John also run back to the tomb. 

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The Easter event that had no eyewitnesses as to how it came to pass but something happened that Sunday morning that has both historical and divine significance. Our faith is built and rooted on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. From that day onwards, life took a different turn. Unlike the visits to the tomb or mausoleum where we can trace the remains of our loved ones, the tomb of Jesus is empty! 

In the Acts of the Apostles, St. Peter says; “ They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and made him manifest; not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead.” Acts 10, 39-42.

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We also know that Jesus himself appeared to his apostles and the first words that came from his lips were: “ Peace be with you!” John 20,19. It was after this that he sent the twelve to make other disciples from Judea up to the ends of the earth. We are partakers of this evangelizing mission of the Church. 

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In this world of today that appears chaotic and seems to have turned its back on God, Jesus is still inviting us to Peace and to bear witness to Him. Much more now, where innocent people are suffering due to wars perpetuated by leaders with selfish interests. The Resurrection of Jesus reminds us that Death has no final word. Sorrow has turned to joy, and death has become new life with and in God! Therefore, God who is love has triumphed over evil and over the sting of death!

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May we too be witnesses to this love and peace. Our hearts, our homes and our world need true peace. Without peace inside of our hearts, chaos, confusion and evil reigns within and outside of us. During this Easter season, I wish each one of you deep inner peace that transforms your life. This is the type of Peace that permeates the silence of the empty tomb!

Peace of Jesus our Risen Lord, be with you!​