Archbishop Charles Chaput wrote the following a letter on the occasion of the Jewish feast of Passover, which begins at sundown April 14, to Rabbi David Strauss, Rabbi Elissa Goldberg and Rabbi David Glanzberg-Krainin of the Jewish Community Relations Council in Philadelphia.
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Together with the clergy and people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, I want to extend to you and the local Jewish community our prayerful best wishes during this year’s observance of Passover.
Passover is, of course, the great feast that marks the liberation of the Chosen People from slavery. In remembering this miracle, the celebrations relating to Passover do not simply recall the past. These rituals are living reminders that in all times and places, God calls his people to a deeper personal commitment to promote justice in a troubled world. We Catholics, who owe so much to the Jewish roots of our faith, join you in revering this great feast.
Our times are challenging, and it can be easy to fear that evil may triumph. The Exodus event reminds us once again that under heavenly guidance, genuine freedom can never be extinguished.
Sincerely in friendship,
Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Archbishop of Philadelphia
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