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FALL RIVER - Bishop George W. Coleman has issued his annual Easter Message to Catholics throughout the Fall River Diocese, which comprises Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands.

Entitled "The Ultimate Hope of the Resurrection," the message has been distributed to pastors in the diocese for conveying to parishioners in some way at Masses on Easter. It was published in this week's issue of the diocesan weekly, The Anchor, and posted on the diocesan Web site at fallriverdiocese.org. Bishop Coleman's message follows:

"Early in the morning on the day after the Sabbath, three women went to the tomb where our Lord had been buried. They heard these words, which are the first proclamation of Christ's Resurrection: "Do not be afraid! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised" (Mk 16:6). These words once again announce to us the powerful message of Easter. In fact, they give us great hope!

"Currently our world faces economic difficulty and financial crisis. Many men and women in the Diocese of Fall River are troubled by the threat of pay cuts, hardship and unemployment. When looking to the future, some individuals may feel anxiety and even desperation. Uncertainty darkens the daily lives of hardworking people. In response, the Gospel tells us "Do not be afraid!"

"You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified." Our Lord became man not to remain aloof from our suffering. Instead, he stands in solidarity with us against the many evils that afflict our world, including poverty, sickness and violence. Through his Passion, Jesus lovingly associates himself with all of humanity's pain. He was humiliated and punished for our sins. He died to give us life. He is the One our hearts seek. "The tomb is not the end of the story; death does not have the last word. 'He has been raised.' This is the constant truth that comforts us in all our trials. The light of the Resurrection shines upon us. The Risen Christ brings us great hope. Through the Church community and through its liturgy and sacraments, our living God accompanies us concretely and gives us all the possibility of new life.

"Today we celebrate Christ's victory over death. After the defeat of the Cross, we profess our faith in the Resurrection with certainty. Together with the whole Church, we rejoice in the manifestation of God's glory and the gift of eternal life-the ultimate hope of Easter!

"With prayerful wishes that the living presence and blessings of the Risen Christ remain with each of you and with your families this Easter."