Bishop Poulson’s 2026 Easter Message

Dear Friends in Christ in Oklahoma,

Recently I had the opportunity to visit, in another state, a retreat center run by a Roman Catholic religious order called the Passionists. There are hundreds of different religious orders, and this was one I had never encountered before. 

The Passionists were founded in 1720 by St. Paul of the Cross. Their name comes from the term “the Passion,” which in the Christian faith refers to the suffering and death of Jesus in Holy Week, followed by his resurrection from the dead at Easter. “Passion” comes from the root passio which means to suffer.

The Passionist order, then, take a special vow to “keep alive the memory of the Passion of Jesus” as the ultimate expression of God’s love. As I learned more about them while at their retreat house, I came across this wonderful quote:

As Passionists, what we do is remember. We remember what was done to Jesus in his Passion, and we stand with every living being today who is experiencing their own crucifixion.

I was so moved by that mission, in its two parts: first, to remember Jesus and his suffering for us, and second, to stand with all who are suffering in our world today. Remembrance and action. Passion and compassion.

This Easter, may we remember Christ, crucified and risen, who gives us forgiveness of sins and eternal life, by his grace. And strengthened by that remembrance, may we reach out our hands in compassion to the suffering, and especially to those who do not yet know Him.

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

The Rt. Rev. Poulson C. Reed, Bishop of Oklahoma