Electronic Newsletter 

Easter 2017
Alleluia! The Lord is Risen!

"The word 'Easter' comes from Old English, meaning simply the 'East.' The sun which rises in the East, bringing light, warmth and hope, is a symbol for the Christian of the rising Christ, who is the true Light of the world" (USCCB. "Easter." United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Accessed April 7, 2017. www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/easter/index.cfm). 

As we celebrate Easter, let us remember to pray for the victims of the bomb explosion in  Egypt's Coptic churches and those who help them. In places torn by violence and hatred, let us turn to Christ the true Light who "dispels wickedness, washes faults away, restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to mourners, drives out hatred, fosters concord, and brings down the mighty." (Roman Missal, Longer Form of the Easter Proclamation)

May the Risen Christ fill you with hope, peace and joy He alone can give,
 
Sr. Myrna Tordillo, mscs
Assistant Director
Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church/Asian and Pacific Island Affairs

Semana Santa - Holy Week Celebration 
 

Read the article by Densy Chandra about how Indonesian Catholics celebrate the Semana Santa, or Holy Week in preparation for Easter and how Indonesian Catholics in the U.S. celebrate the Triduum. 
Samoan Lent and Easter Traditions
 

Find out how the Samoan community in Samoa and the U.S. celebrate the Lenten and Easter season by reading the item by Jerry Ah Koui, candidate for Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Los Angeles. 
15th Annual Asian & Pacific Island Catholics Marian Pilgrimage
 
Check out the flyer for the upcoming pilgrimage to be held on May 6, 2017 in Washington DC at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. This annual event brings together many Asian and Pacific Islander Catholic communities to celebrate their heritage and Marian devotions. 
Invitation to the Mass of Thanksgiving for the Beatification of the 17 Martyrs of Laos
 

Check out the invitation and contribution letter for the upcoming Mass of Thanksgiving for the beatification of the 17 Martyrs of Laos at the Shrine of our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois on June 17th and 18th, 2017. To register for this event and/or donate check out their website.
USCCB National Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America
 

Check out the website for more information about the upcoming convocation in Orlando, FL on July 1-4, 2017.

 
U.S. Catholic China Bureau's 27th Biennial National Conference 
 
Will be held at St. John's University in Queens, NY. The theme of the conference will be "Experience of the Chinese Church in the 21st Century".  Keynote speakers include: Fr. Joseph Zhang, Archbishop Eugene Nugent, and Fr. Joseph Jiang, SJ.  To see the conference program and to register for the event, visit the website. 
The National Association of Filipino Priests 3rd General Assembly
 
Check out the flyer for the upcoming event to be held on November 7-10, 2017 in Houston, TX. The theme of the event will be Joyfully & Faithfully Sharing God's Mercy.  

The assembly will have a number of guest speakers discussing various topics, including USCCB President, His Eminence Cardinal DiNardo and SCAPA Chairman, Most Rev. Oscar A.Solis.  Check out the informational pamphlet for the schedule and registration form.



Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs 
US Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church  
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