“The Lord is Risen!”, “He is Risen Indeed!”

This Easter greeting is proclaimed around the world as Christians celebrate and rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus and promise made to believers that we too will share in the glories of eternal life. Through faith we are reminded that this is the greatest Feast Day of the church and we hold fast to its fulfillment.

Bishop Campeau Easter Message 2026 (Official PDF)

Easter is a time, yet not the only time, to reflect on how we came to have faith in Jesus and believe in God. Who were/are the significant people in our lives who brought us to have faith. I am confident that our list of witnesses to the faith is perhaps endless. I invite you to take pause for moments of reflection of your relationship with these people and give thanks to God for having placed them in your life. Although some of these people may be from your immediate family and circle of friends, others may be former pastors and teachers while others may be people we haven’t met in person like the saints and popes of long ago, or even someone who is in the background of our community who inspires us in the ways of faith.

We also need to recognize and celebrate the great number of people who were received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. These neophytes (the newly baptized) and those who were already baptized and were fully received into the church through the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation are signs to us that we hold something of great value in our faith and in our church. Their testimony speaks of their desire to have it for themselves as well.

And finally, let us not forget ourselves and the faith influence we have on others. We have this rich gift and we are called to share it through our words and actions. Let us pray that God use us to bring others to him. That we be effective witnesses in the world of what it means to believe in Jesus the risen Lord, our Savior and Redeemer.

Easter is a time to celebrate our faith on all its level. From sacrament to ritual, from prayer to song, from community to private meditation we lift up our hearts to the God who saves us.

May God continue to bless you as you share your faith with those around you.

+ Bishop Alan Campeau