Dear Brothers in Risen Christ,

Wishing you all a Joyous and Hope-filled Easter!

This year, Holy Week reminded us that the Passion of Christ is not confined to memory alone; it is reflected in the struggles of Christians, minorities, and the poor across the world today. The events of March remind us that the Cross remains heavy, yet it continues to illuminate the path toward justice and resurrection.

On 24 March, the Supreme Court of India ruled that Dalits who convert to Christianity or Islam cannot claim Scheduled Caste benefits. Though caste discrimination persists across religions, the Court reaffirmed exclusion, leaving Dalit Christians and Muslims vulnerable and without legal safeguards. Church leaders condemned the verdict, stating that it reinforces religious bias in affirmative action and renews the urgent call for reform and equality.

Barely days later, Parliament passed the FCRA Amendment 2026, tightening controls on foreign contributions. NGOs and churches now face heavy compliance burdens that threaten schools, hospitals, and relief services sustaining the poorest communities. Minority institutions expressed concern that selective scrutiny may increase state control over social justice initiatives, silence civil society voices, and weaken welfare programmes.

The atmosphere of restriction extended beyond India. On Palm Sunday, 29 March, Israeli police reportedly blocked Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, clergy, and the faithful from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Worshippers were left humiliated and wounded in spirit, denied access to Christianity’s holiest site during its most sacred season. Church leaders described the incident as a violation of religious freedom.

Taken together, these incidents—legal exclusion, civic silencing, and denial of worship—reveal a growing tide of right-wing politics and persecution. Yet every Holy Week reminds us that Christ’s suffering was not defeat, but the path to hope. The Cross leads to Resurrection, and we are called to stand with the poor, resist oppression, and walk in solidarity. Justice and freedom will rise, just as surely as Christ rose from the tomb.

Signs of hope already emerge amidst fear and despair. As board examinations conclude, many families are planning competitive coaching and summer programmes for their children. At the same time, our vocation promoters continue reaching out to young people, dedicating time and resources to camps that nurture those discerning a life of service. Their commitment reminds us that the future of the Church rests in the hands of youth who choose to stand with the poor, defend the marginalised, and build a world rooted in dignity and freedom.

Holy Week, therefore, becomes not only a season of remembrance but also a call to action. The Cross is heavy, but it is never the end. Resurrection is our promise, and hope is our mission.

In Christ’s service,                                                                       

Britto Vincent

Provincial – Chennai Jesuits