As the green reappears in our lawns, trees bud, blossoms burst from the soft earth and robins sing anew in the garden, we prepare to celebrate Easter and Passover. These are two wonderful and life-enriching celebrations of freedom, redemption and new life.

A special pathos accompanies us in this year’s celebrations, for we continue to be a nation at war, a nation racked by economic uncertainties and mounting unemployment. We are very conscious of those involved in or victimized by these events and circumstances.

As we look about the world, our nation, neighborhood or family, we see sadness, anger, confusion, injustice, and disbelief. Because of that, we are called from the "center of these religious celebrations," to be women and men of faith and of hope. As we celebrate this weekend, in one’s own faith tradition, do so with hearts filled with faith and forgiveness, compassion and a thirst for justice.

The Creighton community has been blessed, in so many ways, this past semester. Let each of us draw from these blessings and bless those with whom we will pray, play and celebrate this holy season.

My prayers are for each of you and your special family and friends.

Peace, shalom, and salaam.

John P. Schlegel, S.J.
President