For him, Easter is an exceptionally significant period to pray for peace. We remember that in the Easter season, the message of the risen Christ is one of peace. The disciples were in fear, but Jesus appeared among them announcing peace and courage. Friar John stressed that St Francis was a man with a passion for peace and reconciliation just as he was a man of prayer. We may be helpless as individuals in bringing about global peace but we can make a difference in our own lives through prayer and by the way we live and relate to others.
Prayer is a powerful means towards peace.
The inclusion of the Stations of the Cross in the Easter Season was an important gesture. In praying the Stations of the Cross, we acknowledge that there are people who continue to suffer and die. The Mass points to the resurrection. The sequence of prayers reminds us that Christ who continues to suffer and die with his people will them to the glory of the resurrection. Friar Joseph Lee was very happy about this project which was very dear to the Franciscan vision of peace.