The cross, resurrection, and a pilgrimage of hope

Dear friends, great days are approaching! We are on the threshold of the most solemn celebrations of our faith: the days of Holy Week and the Easter Triduum. In a short time, we will relive the events of our Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection, a powerful experience for everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. As we contemplate the sufferings of Jesus, especially his death on the cross, we are confronted with the sinfulness of the world. We also discover the astonishing love and mercy of God, who was willing to sacrifice his own Son so that we might have life. With the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection at Easter, we realize that death is trampled underfoot by life, and evil is defeated by the infinite love of God. 

This is the source of our hope as Christians. The fact that Jesus, the Son of God, sacrificed his life to atone for our sins and now lives forever in resurrection glory gives hope to the world. The events of Holy Week and Easter, the Paschal Mystery of our Lord’s death and resurrection, give hope to all of us who believe in Christ. Even if our world is in turmoil, even if we struggle with our own personal sins, and even as we face the inevitability of our own individual death, we know with certainty that Christ is risen. As we carry the crosses of daily life, he reassures us and gives us hope, not mere optimism, but hope that is founded on the divine life of God. 

During this Jubilee Year, when we are all called to be “pilgrims of hope,” I recently had the privilege of taking a mission trip to Peru. About this time last year I received a gracious invitation from the Bishop of Chimbote, Most Rev. Angel Ernesto Zapata, to come and visit his diocese and to see the good work that is happening there. The Diocese of Fargo and a number of our parishes have long supported the mission at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chimbote, staffed for many years by Father Jack Davis and Sister Peggy Byrne. A large number of people from our diocese have made mission trips over the last decades to the city of Chimbote, trips that are often described as a life-changing experience. Ever since I became Bishop of Fargo nearly 12 years ago, I have been hearing about the mission in Chimbote, so naturally I was delighted to have the opportunity to finally experience it for myself. 

I can’t say that I was surprised by the severe poverty that is so prevalent in Chimbote, but it was sobering to enter into it so personally with the people who live there. Many of them are literally struggling to survive and keep a roof over their heads. It is often said that the poor have a surprising spirit of joy, and I found that to be true in Chimbote. The people we met were incredibly happy to welcome us, and it was fascinating to hear them tell their stories and life experiences. They also have a deep and lively faith, and they trust in God’s love for them even in the midst of hardship. But there were tears too. We heard many heartbreaking stories of crisis, illness, and loss of family members. The people we met are carrying very heavy crosses just to care for themselves and their families. Some of them are dealing with very real life and death struggles. 

But as St. Paul tells us, “Hope does not disappoint,” and the Resurrection is very real in their lives. The organization called Friends of Chimbote and the many mission visitors from the Diocese of Fargo have accomplished some remarkable things and truly changed many lives in a place that desperately needs hope. New, sturdy homes have been built to replace the makeshift shelters that barely hold together in the wind and sandy soil. One of the most moving events of my visit was the chance to help a family move out of their old “house,” which was pieced together with plastic, burlap, wood, and duct tape. Then, a few days later, I was able to celebrate a house blessing for this same family as they moved into their brand new home. Their spirit of gratitude and amazement was beautiful to see, and they were thankful to God for such a life-changing gift.   

Our mission groups have helped build many homes just like this one, and formed relationships with the families they have met. We have supported education and training in trades, improved access to drinkable water, and helped residents put their own talents to use to improve their lives. Underlying all these efforts is living faith, the faith that moves good people to reach out to their neighbors in greatest need. Our partners in Chimbote pray with those they serve and help them stay connected with the local priests and parishes so that their spiritual lives can flourish. I was deeply impressed by the pastoral care and concern of Bishop Angel and his priests, as well as the many lay people who are selflessly working in the mission communities. Their everyday works of mercy are building hope and helping the poorest and most destitute people of Chimbote to see the risen Jesus in the midst of their crosses. 

As we draw near to the very sacred days of Holy Week and Easter, I am mindful of the ways our Lord is building hope among us, inviting us to walk with him and each other on the Way of the Cross, but also revealing his new life to us in the glory of Resurrection. May the crucified and Risen Christ bring renewed hope to us all.