2017-04-13 09:31:00

Archbishop Stephen Brislin’s Easter message


The Archbishop of Cape Town and President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC), Stephen Brislin, says that though we live in times of great uncertainty, there is no need to become despondent because the Lord Jesus Christ has not abandoned the world.

“An atmosphere of uncertainty – and also of mistrust – is experienced almost throughout the world at the present time and so, even if it is small comfort, we are not alone in this,” Archbishop Brislin said.

In his Easter message to the faithful of Southern Africa, Archbishop Brislin said the world, and in particular, the people of Southern Africa must take comfort in the fact that Christ walks with us at all times.

“Christ is with us. He never abandons us and “walks” with us at all times, strengthening and consoling us. And so, we never give in to despair. The Easter celebration reminds us that we are the “Easter People,” people of hope, filled with the Life of God’s Holy Spirit, joyful in our difficulties and problems, because Christ is Risen!” The Cape Town prelate emphasised.

(Email engafrica@vatiradio.va)

Find below the full Easter message of Archbishop Brislin.

 

Christus vincit! Christus regnat! Christus imperat!

We’ve had a tumultuous three weeks in South Africa and there are many concerns regarding the future, not least economic concerns. Very often what happens in South Africa also negatively affects Botswana and Swaziland. An atmosphere of uncertainty – and also of mistrust – is experienced almost throughout the world at the present time and so, even if it is small comfort, we are not alone in this. It is difficult to live with uncertainty as it can so easily give rise to anxiety which, in turn, can also negatively affect our relationships with others.

But we are not alone for another reason: Christ is with us. He never abandons us and “walks” with us at all times, strengthening and consoling us.  And so, we never give in to despair. The Easter celebration reminds us that we are the “Easter People”, people of hope, filled with the Life of God’s Holy Spirit, joyful in our difficulties and problems, because Christ is Risen! Christus vincit! Christus regnat! Christus imperat! – Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands. The victory is His and is given to us so that we can offer to others the light of hope and joy, which dispels the darkness and shadows.

On behalf of the Southern African Bishops’ Conference I wish all our people of Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland, a blessed and holy Easter. May God bless you and your family and give you all his graces, unity and harmony in your family. May it be a time of happiness and joy for you, a time of re-affirming the reason for our hope. I conclude with the consoling words of Isaiah:

Do not be afraid, for I am with you;do not be alarmed, for I am your God.I give you strength, truly I help you, truly I hold you firm with my saving right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

+Stephen Brislin

President Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference








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