When Jesus Christ Superstar launched in 1970 — first with the concept album followed by the Broadway rock opera that opened in 1971, a production in London’s west end that would play for more than eight years and finally the 1973 movie — who knew it was the start of a phenomenon that still resonates almost half a century later.

MANOPPELLO, ITALY - At the Shrine of the Holy Face in Manoppello, visitors see a transparent cloth encased between two glass panes within an ornate silver frame above the sanctuary’s altar.

Christ films are a staple in many households during Easter weekend.

When Vincent Cheng closed his eyes as he sang, the walls of the Church of All Nations faded away and he imagined Jesus on His knees praying fervently before the Father hours before His Passion.

Megan Turland must have read the story of the resurrected little girl in Mark 5 more than a hundred times.

ROME - Recalling Jesus' death on the cross, Pope Francis led thousands on Good Friday in reflecting on the crosses of loneliness, fear and betrayal that crucify countless men, women and children in the world.

The following is an edited version of the Easter message from Bishop Lionel Gendron, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops:

JERUSALEM - With Easter upon us, millions of Catholics around the world have taken part in the Stations of Cross during the Lenten season. While many people prayed the stations in their local parish, each year thousands leave their communities to experience the real thing: the Via Dolorosa.