Roman Catholic Diocese of Dunedin

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

LENT is with us and the Church's invitation is again to take up our cross and follow Jesus on his way to Calvary.

From ashes to Easter - I always think that Lent and Easter is a microcosm of our whole life and journey of faith to Calvary and Resurrection, patterned on Christ's life, death and Resurrection.

We know, too, our time on earth is fraught with all sorts of trials and tribulations. I often think that, beset by a daily dose of problems and temptations, we see more of the Cross than the Resurrection in life's journey.

As I write this, I think of the our own diocese of Dunedin and some of the problems we face: our scarcity of vocations, our tentative steps to evangelise, the diocesan debt, the revised Missal now in vogue.

As we journey through Lent to Easter, we know that Calvary was not the end - it was only the end of the beginning - and Jesus' death ushered in the new life of the Resurrection and the outpouring of his Spirit.

When you find the road long, winding and hard, and when difficulties seem to multiply, remember Christ has been there before you, He is here with you now and he helps you and me to go forward to the new life of Easter. What a hope we have!

May the Easter victory of our Risen Saviour strengthen and encourage your faithfulness and trust and bring you blessings in abundance.

In the Spirit 

+ CD Campbell

Bishop of Dunedin