This Homily was given by the then-Archbishop of Philadelphia, Cardinal Justin Rigali, on April 2, 2005, in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, the day Pope John Paul II died.

We continue to celebrate the feast of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The Church calls this feast the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday. By his Resurrection, Jesus not only conquers sin and death but he also gives the Church the Easter gift of the forgiveness of sins in the Sacrament of Confession, which is the supreme act of Divine Mercy.   

The following homily was given on Easter Sunday, April 12, 1998 by the then – Archbishop Justin Rigali in the Cathedral in St. Louis.

In the Death and Resurrection of the Lord, the Church experiences a great challenge to joy and thanksgiving. All who embrace in their life the crucified and risen Christ have the forgiveness of sins. The Church exults in the proclamation of Psalm 118: “This is the day the Lord has made.” In the Death and Resurrection of Jesus we have the supreme expression of Divine Mercy.

The following homily was given by the then – Archbishop Justin Rigali on Holy Saturday, April 11, 1998 in the Cathedral in St. Louis.

The Holy Saturday liturgy presents to us the first announcement of the Resurrection of the Lord: Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. The Easter message challenges us to die to sin and to live for God. St. Paul gives us the great assurance that Baptism associates us with the Death and Resurrection of Christ. 

The following homily was given by the then – Archbishop Justin Rigali in the Cathedral in St. Louis on Good Friday, April 10, 1998.

The Church celebrates the Death of Jesus, gratefully acknowledging his Cross as the great sign of victory over sin and death. In the liturgy the Death and Resurrection of Jesus become our destiny and our triumph. The Church is proud of all the actions of Christ but her greatest boast is the Cross. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

The following homily was given by the then – Archbishop Justin Rigali during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday April 9, 1998 in the Cathedral in St. Louis.

On Holy Thursday the Church proclaims Christ’s Institution of the Eucharist, Christ’s Institution of the Priesthood and his great example of humble and loving service. The supreme act of his service is his Paschal Mystery through which he brings about the redemption of the world. 

The following homily was given by the then-Archbishop Justin Rigali during the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, April 9, 1998, in the Cathedral in St. Louis.

Homily given by then-Archbishop Justin Rigali on Palm Sunday, 1998 in the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

The Church prepares us to journey together with Jesus to Calvary. We are invited to experience with him his Suffering, Death and Resurrection. Through his Cross, Jesus is reserving for us a share in his Paschal Victory.