Even in the midst of a heavy ice storm, in the middle of exam season, more than 200 students and community members gathered together April 14 at University of Toronto’s Newman Centre for an Easter retreat. 

ROME – On Sunday Pope Francis visited a Roman parish, telling Mass-goers to allow themselves to be moved by the immense joy of the resurrection, which overcomes sin and renews believers, allowing them to have a youthful heart.

Third Sunday of Easter, April 15 (Year B) Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 2:1-5; Luke 24:35-48

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Second Sunday of Easter, April 8 (Year B) Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 118; 1 John 5:1-6; John 20:19-31

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VATICAN – The final words at Mass – "Go in peace" – are an invitation to Christians to proclaim God's blessings through their lives, not an opportunity to go outside and speak ill of others, Pope Francis said.

EDMONTON – Levi Breederland and his wife Kaitlyn feel a strong sense of relief as they approach Easter — after months of preparation they will finally be received into the Catholic Church.

BEIRUT – In Easter messages, Catholic patriarchs of the Middle East evoked the hope of the Resurrection.

VATICAN – In his Easter appeal for peace throughout the world, Pope Francis made special mention of the ongoing "carnage" in Syria and the recent violence along Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, violence the Pope said had not spared "the defenseless."

VATICAN – Easter makes it clear that in the life of Jesus, but also in the lives of modern men and women, "death, solitude and fear" do not have the last word, Pope Francis said before giving his Easter blessing.

Resurrection of the Lord, April 1 (Year B) Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Psalm 118; 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8; John 20:1-18

Easter and April Fool’s has comically synced up this year which means Christians are bracing themselves for every Easter pun in the book. 

After winning in The Catholic Register’s Christmas drawing contest, Jasmeen Arcentales has scored a double victory by taking top honours in our Easter competition for children.

The following is the Easter message from Bishop Lionel Gendron, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

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Do not be afraid, the angel said to the frightened women at the empty tomb. Do not be afraid, the risen Christ told His anxious disciples behind locked doors.

The story of Good Friday feels even more real when you’ve lived it, even if it’s only in a play.