Dear Anselmian Community,
Easter began as both an event and an experience. As an event, it became the familiar and foundational account of the Christian gospel about how Jesus suffered, died and rose again. It was important to tell the story, to pass it down from one generation to the next, to never forget the world-changing implications of such an event. When Christians gather to celebrate Easter, the story is told once again to those who stand this long line of witnesses. But as an experience, encountering the resurrected One was simply transformational. There was something about this New Life that was beyond words, drove out the darkness, and seeped into the world as a balm that healed the poison and pain of individuals and communities.
As we celebrate Easter 2021, let’s not just recall the story of an event. Let us do our best to experience it, to open ourselves to the alleluia of New Life at a moment when the pandemic, economic hardship, racial injustice, and the everyday challenges of anxiety, sadness, and separation from loved ones might otherwise overwhelm us. True hope is not just a pipe dream for a happy ending; rather, it is a way of living courageously and facing the future with confidence.
Paddy and I wish you a healthy and joyful Easter celebration. We sincerely hope that you take time away from the grind to experience New Life found in the holy presence of others and in simple pleasures such as taking a walk, eating a meal, or sharing a laugh. Thank you for all that you do for our students and our community.
Best,
Joseph A. Favazza, Ph,D., President