April 22, 2025

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” – Psalm 118:24

In Catholic churches around the world, Easter is not just a single day. It’s an entire season of joy! And it begins with something extraordinary: the Octave of Easter, eight days of solemn celebration in which each day is liturgically treated as Easter Sunday itself.

Why an octave? In biblical tradition, the number eight symbolizes a new beginning—a new creation. Christ’s Resurrection is just that: the dawn of a new creation where sin and death no longer have the final word. The Octave invites us to linger in that joy, to allow the light of Easter morning to pierce our hearts again and again, day after day.

Throughout the Octave, the Church’s prayers, Scripture readings, and liturgical music all echo with resurrection hope. The Gloria is sung each day. The Alleluia rings out. The Gospel accounts repeatedly draw our eyes to the Risen Lord—meeting Mary Magdalene in the garden, walking with disciples to Emmaus, or standing on the shore to share a meal.

The Octave culminates on Divine Mercy Sunday, the Second Sunday of Easter, a feast that flows directly from the pierced Heart of Jesus—the Risen One who offers peace, forgiveness, and the gift of His mercy to a world in need.

Let us continue to live these days with hearts full of Easter faith. Let us be people of the Resurrection—radiating joy, bearing hope, and proclaiming: Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!