Sharing Christ Across Faiths and Cultures
Paschal Blessings
The story of the Road to Emmaus is found in Luke 24:13-35 and occurs on the same day as Jesus’ resurrection, shortly after the women discovered the empty tomb and reported seeing angels who announced that Jesus was alive. Two disciples, one named Cleopas and the other unnamed, were walking from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles away. They were discussing the recent events of Jesus’ crucifixion and the reports of His resurrection, feeling confused and disheartened.
The disciples’ anxiety is one that many of us feel these days at times. The embroiled events of war and its consequences worldwide were the subject of Pope Leo’s comments when he stated, “Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war.” The growing polarization and divisiveness in our communities contradict our deepest hopes for our families and communities.
The Xaverian Missionaries USA work in 21 countries worldwide, daily encountering the ripple effects of global disorder that affect school fees, gas and food prices, and simple ways to eke out a living from day to day. The government’s decision to cut billions in funding has directly affected Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services, shutting out the poorest in many communities. The pall of doubt around the real effects of global climate change introduces new uncertainty for communities, as rising sea levels and larger storms destroy homes and crops.
But through all of us, where are we aware of the redemption of the cross, if it is not in the darkest corners of the earth? It is in these very places where the power of the cross of Christ looms and the testing ground where our courage and strength are released through our churches, communities, and into every corner of the globe. Renewed resolve to make a difference comes from the resurrected Christ, who shows once again that hope is stronger than even death itself.
May this Easter enliven our global church, in every culture, through our encounter with all peoples of good faith, an unceasing and relentless hope, as we wait a new heaven and a new earth.
There’s a New Website for Our Lady of Fatima Shrine
There is a new website, developed by Brother Kornel Glossanto, for The Missionary Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. We hope it to make it easier for you to see the services and opportunities that wait for your next visit. Take a stroll through our website and discover for yourself at FatimaShrine.org.
Interfaith Iftar at Fatima Shrine on March 15, 2026
As our brothers and sisters in the Muslim community celebrated Ramadan, the Metrowest Interfaith Community and the Peace Islands Institute of Boston gathered to hold their third annual Interfaith Iftar: “Breaking Fast, Building Bridges”. This year, the host is Our Lady of Fatima Shrine under the supervision of our confrere Fr Carl Chudy. It was on Sunday, March 15 at 6:00 to 8:00 in the evening inside our Xavier Hall.
The celebration began with a brief explanation of the meaning and importance of Ramadan, accompanied by a short video educational presentation of how our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate their event. There was a sharing of the mission and dialogue activities of the Peace Islands Institute and a live calligraphy demonstration performed by Dr. Benyamin Aysan, Director of the Institute. It was concluded by the Prayer for Interfaith Blessing by Rabbi Mimi Micner of Temple Beth Torah.
During the Iftar Dinner, the Muslim participants were given a designated room adjacent to Xavier Hall for their prayer before breaking the fast. After which, they joined with the others for the meal.
The event was beautiful, modest and quiet with the reflective interactions and sharing among the participants from various ages, nationalities, and religious faith traditions.
The faith and advocate-leaders are the Jewish, Christian, and Baha’i communities of Holliston, the Nejaf Islamic Center, the Islamic Society of Greater Milford, the Sikh Gurdwara of Millis, the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of Boston (Hindu), and Peace Islands Institute of Boston.
~ Fr. Vivinio (Joeven) Matugas
Introducing the Xaverian Missionaries USA
LISTENING TO THOSE WHO LEFT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
In America, the landscape of the Catholic Church is changing dramatically, as is all religious communities and institutions. The new mission of the Xaverian Missionaries seeks to engage with our Catholic tradition to all outside of the church, Christianity, and even religion itself. The departure of those who were formed in the Catholic faith is felt in every parish. Disaffiliated families make up the majority of Catholic communities throughout the country.
Taiwan: A Mosaic of Religions
Catholic Interfaith Solidarity
Check out the latest resources and opportunities for Catholics and others to share our lives, faith, and friendship with people of other faiths and traditions. Click here. Other resources for interfaith dialogue may be found here.
