Easter People in a Broken World: A Night of Mercy, Faith, and Fellowship

Last Sunday, on the beautiful Feast of the Divine Mercy, our Young Adult Group gathered for an evening of fellowship, prayer, and reflection. Although many were still away on holidays, 19 young adults and Fr. Roger came together, and it became a truly grace-filled encounter.

Despite dinner arriving a little late, the evening began warmly with a welcome and icebreaker that helped create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. After the opening prayer, Scripture reading, reflection, and intercessions, the food arrived just in time before Fr. Roger’s input talk, “Easter People in a Broken World.”

Beginning with Jesus’ words, “Peace be with you,” we were invited to reflect on a world that often feels far from peaceful: marked by conflict, global tensions, and personal struggles. Yet, this is precisely where Divine Mercy meets us: not in perfection, but in our wounded reality.

We were reminded that Easter is not just a past event, but a living hope. Even in darkness and uncertainty, the Resurrection assures us that hope is always stronger than despair. This message deeply resonated, as many shared their personal struggles, fears, hopes, and faith journeys with honesty and courage.

A particularly powerful insight was the reminder that the peace of Christ is not the absence of problems, but His presence within them. Just as Jesus entered the fears of His disciples, He enters ours, bringing mercy through His wounds.

We also turned our hearts to the suffering in the world, especially in places like the Middle East. With compassion, we were encouraged not to be indifferent, but to respond with prayer, awareness, and trust in God’s mercy.

Following the talk, we moved into small groups for a time of deeper sharing and reflection, guided by these questions:

• What does Easter peace mean in your daily life?

• How do you usually respond to conflict or stress?

• What is one small way you can be a peacemaker this week?

Once again, the sharing was heartfelt and sincere. There was a strong sense of openness, trust, and connection, clear signs of the Spirit at work among us.

We then entered into a prayer experience marked by silence and reverence. With dimmed lights, the Paschal candle at the center, and soft Taizé music in the background, we were led into a guided prayer. One by one, participants came forward to light candles, write their intentions, and place them around the Paschal candle. Together, we prayed for those in war zones, for families, and for peace in our world.

As the evening drew to a close, we were challenged to live out Divine Mercy in concrete ways to pray intentionally, to be peacemakers, and to bring kindness into our daily lives. As Fr. Roger beautifully reminded us, “You may not stop a war, but you can stop hatred in your own heart.”

The night concluded with a closing prayer and final blessing. Yet even after the formal program ended, the spirit of joy continued. Many stayed behind, playing table tennis, singing karaoke, and even dancing, simply enjoying one another’s company.

We all went home filled with peace, joy, and a renewed assurance of God’s presence within us. Truly, we are Easter people, called to carry His mercy, hope, and peace into a broken world.