+ L. I. Chr. et M. I.

Surrexit Christus, spes mea. (Sequentia Pasch.)

Dear confreres,

This year for me the Easter celebrations are special I would say. Exceptional because very mission based. I know a little of the taste of the missions from Cameroon, but the taste of this present one is completely different. Two weeks before Christmas I got a call from Bishop Wieslaw Krótki OMI and Fr. Daniel Szwarc OMI asking if I would like to come to the Arctic and be there for Easter where there is currently no priest.

As a result I am currently in the town of Port Harbour located on Southampton Island, which is part of the largest diocese in the world - the Diocese of Churchill - Hudson Bay. From another point of view, it seems to be the smallest diocese in the world, having about 9,000 Catholics. Immediately after Easter I will go to the Naujaat mission where Fr. Daniel Szwarc OMI and currently Fr. Zbigniew Halemba OMI are. So this is also a great opportunity to be together with them for a bit and see for myself how they and their parishioners live.

From the distant and still cold Arctic, I send my warmest Easter wishes. Driving from the airport I driven by Marty, the local catechist, who told me that we must not be ashamed of Jesus, otherwise He will be ashamed of us.

Easter is a wonderful opportunity to renew our relationship with Him again. Jesus always gives us the opportunity for new life. We can only find it in the Risen Lord. I is this new life, that I wish for myself and each of you.

With prayers

Fr. Jacek Nosowicz OMI, Provincial.

ps. I am also attaching a video link from the local St. Joseph's Church, with additional wishes from me and the community leaders here.