By Bishop-elect, Nelson Po
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Each year the celebration of Easter invites us to proclaim again the great truth at the heart of our faith: Christ is risen.
In the resurrection of Jesus, the darkness of Good Friday gives way to the light of hope. Yet we know that for many people today, hope can sometimes feel distant.
The world around us is marked by uncertainty and tension. In many places conflict and instability persist.
The situation in Iran, for example, has drawn international concern in recent weeks, with economic hardship, social unrest, and fears of wider conflict affecting the lives of ordinary people. Many families there, as in other parts of the world, live with anxiety about the future.
Closer to home, people across Perth and Australia are also experiencing their own struggles. Rising prices and the cost of living continue to weigh heavily on many households.
Recent figures show that living costs have risen for Australian families in the past year, placing increasing pressure on everyday expenses such as housing, food and energy.
Here in Perth, too, I meet people who are worried about how they will pay the bills, care for loved ones who are sick, or provide stability for their families. Some face illness or loneliness; others struggle with financial uncertainty. In these circumstances, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
It is precisely in such moments that the message of Easter speaks most powerfully to our hearts.
In the Scriptures we encounter many witnesses of faith who lived through uncertain times. One such figure is Nehemiah. When he learned that the walls of Jerusalem lay in ruins and that his people were suffering, he was deeply moved.
Rather than giving in to despair, Nehemiah turned first to prayer.
He trusted in God and found the courage to act. With perseverance and faith, he helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, restoring not only the city but also the hope of its people.
Nehemiah reminds us that faith does not remove the challenges of life, but it gives us the strength to face them with courage. His story teaches us that when God’s people come together in faith, renewal becomes possible.
The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate sign of this renewal. The disciples who once feared and doubted were transformed by the risen Lord into witnesses of hope. The message of Easter tells us that suffering, injustice and hardship do not have the final word. God’s love is stronger than death, and his mercy can bring new life even in the most difficult circumstances.
The Church is not only a place of prayer but also a community of support. Across our Archdiocese, many Catholic agencies and organisations work quietly and generously to assist those in need.
Through their outreach—they are living signs of Christ’s compassion. I encourage anyone who is struggling not to hesitate to reach out. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of courage and trust in the goodness of others.
At the same time, Easter calls each of us to become instruments of hope for one another. A kind word, a helping hand, a prayer offered for someone in need—these small acts of love help rebuild the “walls” of our communities, just as Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem.
In this time of Easter, the Gospel readings remind us again and again that Jesus calls us to trust in God’s saving power. The risen Christ walks with us, just as he walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, opening our hearts to hope.
Dear friends, even in a world that can feel uncertain and volatile, the light of Easter shines brightly. Let us place our trust in the Lord, support one another with compassion, and move forward with the courage of faith.
May the peace and hope of the risen Christ fill your hearts and your homes this Easter season.
+ Bishop-elect Nelson Po