(April 25, 2011) The fact that Christians affirm that the Lord is truly risen, commits
them to be Christ’s authentic witnesses in preaching Him to the world. Pope Benedict
XVI made the remark on Easter Monday while addressing a crowd that had gathered in
the courtyard of the papal summer residence of Castelgandolfo, just outside, to recite
the midday ‘Regina Coeli’ prayer with him. The Pope went to Castelgandolfo fro a
few days of rest following a hectic Holy Week of ceremonies and liturgies that ended
with the Easter message and blessing on Sunday. Easter Monday is a holiday in the
Vatican and Italy. Pope Benedict reflected on the implication of Christ’s resurrection
saying the greeting, “Christ is risen! He is truly risen!” is both a profession of
faith and a commitment of life just as it happened with the women in Mathew’s Gospel.
When they met, touched and adored the risen Christ, He told them to go and tell His
brothers to go to Galilee where they would see Him. According to Pope Paul VI, the
entire Church receives the mission to evangelize, and the work of each member is important
for all. After reciting the ‘Regina Coeli’, the Pope encouraged the fight against
paedophilia and expressed support for children who are victims of violence, exploitation
and indifference. The Pope addressed representatives of an Italian child-rights association
called ‘Meter’, encouraging its efforts in preventing child abuse and sensitizing
consciences alongside various education entities. Pope Benedict also addressed
English-speaking visitors in the crowd: Listen: I
am pleased to greet all the English-speaking visitors and pil grims here present
for today’s Regina Caeli prayers. With greater joy than ever, the Church celebrates
these eight days in a special way, as she recalls the Lord Jesus’s resurrection from
the dead. Let us pray fervently that the joy and peace of Our Lady, Mary of Magdala
and the Apostles will be our own as we welcome the risen Lord into our hearts and
lives. I invoke God’s abundant blessings upon you all!