2025 Easter Message from Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
During Lent and throughout my preparations for Easter, one word that I always refer to is hope.
We are now over four months into the Jubilee Year, which as I’m sure you’re aware, has the theme of ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, so this year it is a word I have reflected on more than ever.
So far this year, the archdiocese has been privileged to celebrate an original pilgrim of hope, Jack Traynor. In February, thousands of people from across the archdiocese and beyond joined together for a Mass filled with joy and hope to mark his miraculous cure in Lourdes from 1923. Despite the severity of his illness and the obstacles he faced to even travel to Lourdes, Jack never gave up hope. There had been an attempt to declare it a miracle in 1993, but the archdiocese didn’t give up hope to get an official ecclesiastical declaration.
Recently, we have all been closely following the progress of Pope Francis and I was delighted when he left hospital after five weeks of medical care. Last month, during his hospital stay, he also referred to hope saying: “Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope.”
The annual feast of Easter provides us with hope. When Jesus was betrayed and consequently crucified on Good Friday, his followers were surrounded in darkness and had lost all hope.
Three days later, on Easter morning when they had discovered that the tomb was empty, Mary Magdalene stood outside the empty tomb weeping and asked where the body of Jesus had been taken to. She then recognised the triumphant news that the Lord had risen. Their darkness had turned into light, war into peace and despair had turned into hope.
During our Easter celebrations in 2025, we are surrounded by hope. We have seen an increase in RCIA candidates being welcomed into our Church. We have also the wonderful news that Pope Francis has appointed my successor Bishop John Sherrington. This gives me great hope for a vibrant future for the Catholic Church in Liverpool.
During this great feast of Easter, may we welcome the hope from the Risen Christ into our lives. May the Risen Lord touch our hearts and lives with His peace, light and hope.
Yours in Christ,
Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP
Apostolic Administrator, Archdiocese of Liverpool
