NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      Denver, 1 (NE) "For Christians, Holy Week is the most sacred time of year. It's a time to reflect on what the 'good news' of Jesus Christ really means," said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Conv. in a recent message given to faithful in Denver. The prelate highlighted the importance to welcome the Good News in one's own life.

      The Bishop added, "The real joy of the Gospel doesn't happen at Christmas. It happens on the other side of Calvary. The cross is the way Christ accomplishes our redemption. Only in being nailed to the wood with Him, can we rise with Him on Easter. In other words, there's no resurrection without the crucifixion."

      "In offering God the personal sorrows and sufferings which each of us daily face, we join ourselves to Jesus and share in His sacrifice for the world. But we also share in the reward, for He draws us with Him out of death into new life on Easter" said the Archbishop, expressing his hope that during Easter celebrations "may God grant us all the gift of encountering Jesus Christ as savior . . . in the Eucharist, at the cross and beyond the empty tomb."