Sharing Christ Across Faiths and Cultures

Paschal Blessings

Surrexit Christus spes mea! — Christ, my hope is risen! So proclaims the ancient Sequence of Easter Sunday, echoing through the centuries with undiminished joy. This is not merely a poetic phrase, but the very foundation of who we are as Christians: a people of hope, a people who lift their eyes toward the eternal light even when surrounded by darkness, uncertainty, and destruction.

Over the past year, we have witnessed profound suffering and loss. The devastation brought about by war and economic instability; it has touched every corner of our world, leaving many burdened with grief, fear, and weariness. And yet, even in the midst of such trials, we are not abandoned to despair. For “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). This is the truth that sustains us: Christ, our risen Lord, has conquered death once and for all.

As St. Paul reminds us, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17). But Christ has been raised—truly and gloriously—and in Him, death no longer has the final word. Our Paschal Victim, the spotless Lamb, offers Himself in love; by His death, He destroys death, and by His rising, He restores us to life. As it is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54–55).

This is the source of our hope—not a fleeting optimism or naïve wishfulness, but a deep and abiding certainty rooted in the living God. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Because He lives, we too shall live. Because He has triumphed, we are never defeated.
Therefore, let us rejoice! Let us give thanks to God for the countless ways He continues to work in our lives, even when we cannot see clearly. Let this Easter not pass as a mere date on the calendar, but as a renewed encounter with the risen Christ. In the midst of a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, may we learn to recognize His presence—walking beside us, just as He walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus.

Let us also be bearers of this hope to others. The world does not need more fear or division; it longs for the quiet, steadfast witness of those who believe. As Scripture exhorts us, “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” (1 Peter 3:15). May our lives speak that reason clearly.

So, be people of hope—people who carry light into darkness, peace into turmoil, and love into wounded hearts. Not because the road is easy, but because Christ walks it with us. For He has promised, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

With hearts renewed in faith and joy, let us proclaim it boldly: Christ is risen! He is truly risen!
A blessed and holy Easter to you all.

Fr. Alex Rodriguez, sx, Delegation Superior

Read more Easter messages on the Franklin page and the Fatima Shrine site.

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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.

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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

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Introducing the Xaverian Missionaries USA

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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.

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Taiwan: A Mosaic of Religions

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