I am always deeply moved 
when I see that St. Ignatius
calls the risen Christ: “the consoler”.

He writes in the "Spiritual Exercises":
“Observe how Christ, our Lord, fulfils the office of consoler
and compare it with the way in which friends
are accustomed to console each other.”
(Spiritual Exercises 224)

In the midst of tragedy and trial,
the spirit of consolation and friendship, of true love,
continues to shine in the hearts of so many men and women.

In Ukraine,
in Turkey and Syria,
in Myanmar, in South Sudan,
in East Congo, in Nicaragua,
in our families, in our communities ….
Everywhere, friends are consoling friends.

The risen and living Christ comes to console his people in pain and distress.
He comes to console each one of us so that we, in turn,
may be consolers to our brothers and sisters.
Let me wish you a happy, loving and most consoling Easter!