Wishing all Visitors a Happy Easter!

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

The Resurrection of Jesus

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.  The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”  (Matthew 28:1-10)

www.Christian-Miracles.com

Indian Film 'Christaayan' breaks ground

News from RomeReports.com

It's a country that's known for its 'Bollywood' films, but most recently Indian producers broke ground with a different kind of genre-a movie about Jesus. It's titled 'Christaayan' which translates to the 'The Path of Christ.' The Hindi film is more than six hours long, but a shorter 53 minute version has been released as well.

More than 19 million Catholics live in India. The high number though, only accounts for about 4 percent of the country's population. Producers are hoping that films like these, will give an extra push to the New Evangelization, especially in countries with a Christian minority.

Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Flickr - Photo Sharing!

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son (Jesus) into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16-17)

The stained glass window was photographed in Saint Mary's Church, Myers Avenue and Route 46, Denville, NJ.

Photograph Copyright Loci B. Lenar
www.christian-miracles.com

Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople foresees reunion of Christian East and West

News story from Byzantine Catholic Church in America

CWN - Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople has told reporters that he sees a possibility for reunion between the Orthodox and Roman churches, even if it “will probably not happen during my life.”

The Ecumenical Patriarch, who made history by traveling to Rome for the inaugural Mass of Pope Francis, said that he was surprised to receive an invitation from the new Pontiff to join in a dinner with cardinals.

Speaking in Turkey after his return, the Orthodox leader said that he saw a new attitude at the Vatican, which heightened his optimism about the prospects for restoring Christian unity. He said that “there is a possibility for the next generations to see the churches of the East and West.”

While he was at the Vatican, Patriarch Bartholomew invited Pope Francis to join him in a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, to commemorate the historic meeting there 50 years ago between Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras.

Good Friday: The Agony of Mary

Good Friday: The Agony of Mary by Stephen B. Whatley

The following excerpt is from the website of Stephen B Whatley | Flickr.com

In this 'drawing from prayer' - created on Good Friday (2011) - expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley wanted to recognize the inevitable cries of despair and grief of Mary, Mother of God, at the foot of the Cross upon which her son, Jesus was crucified, over 2000 years ago. Divinely chosen to carry the Son of God, she would have no doubt been as deeply bereft as any devoted mother losing her child in such a brutal way.

Christians believe the day is "good" because the message of Easter is of Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil; as the Apostle Paul wrote: "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us."

Certainly it is day for reflection, for mourning. Those who love will one day grieve: the price we pay for love is grief.

Friday may be of darkness, but Sunday - Easter - will bring the light of the Resurrection of Christ.

Charcoal on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/ 59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Pope Francis washes feet of 12 jailed minors, including two girls, at detention center

News from RomeReports.com

On Thursday evening, Pope Francis celebrated the Mass of the Last Supper at the Casal del Marmo Juvenile Detention Center, outside Rome. He also washed the feet of 12 jailed teens. According to the Vatican, not all of them are Catholic. Some of the teens were of other religions.

Among the people who had their feet washed, were two teenage girls, one Italian and another from Serbia.

By washing their feet, the Pope evoked the time Jesus washed the feet of his twelve apostles during the Last Supper.