Joint Holy Week & Easter 2026 message by Armagh Archbishops: ‘Peace be with you’

Holy Week and Easter message by Archbishops McDowell and Martin.

“Peace be with you”. These were the first words of Jesus to his disciples, after the resurrection, when he met them behind locked doors on the evening of that first Easter Day. He showed them the marks of the crucifixion on his hands and side – the evidence of his suffering – and he said to them, “Peace be with you”. In the midst of their fear, sorrow and pain, he wanted them to find peace. Despite all that had happened in previous days, the words and sentiments he offered were words of comfort and love, and not anger or hatred.

The words, “Peace be with you”, represent much more than a simple, customary greeting. They express a deep desire and hope for an end to pain, for calm after the storm, for a time of reconciliation and healing.

This Easter the world we live in is overshadowed by conflict in so many places – from across the Middle East to much closer home in the war that has ravaged Ukraine for over four years now. I n all those regions, heartfelt cries are heard for an end to the violence that has already caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people, widespread destruction of homes and businesses, as well as the separation and displacement of countless families.
Too many people live in fear of what the future holds in store. Hope is hard to find in the rubble of a bombed hospital or school, or in the tears of those whose loved ones have been killed through acts of violence.

During Holy Week, in Scripture readings and prayer, we reflect on the sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ, and are reminded of the cruelty of humankind and the power of evil. The cross of Calvary continues to cast a long shadow over the world. Yet the sadness of Good Friday will give way to the joy of Easter morning. The Easter story begins “while it was still dark”, but it is soon bathed in the light of the resurrection. Love defeats hatred. It overcomes the darkness of despair. Nothing, then, should be permitted to rob us of hope that goodness will triumph over evil. This is Easter Hope: the “hope that does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5).

We must persevere, therefore, in our prayers and efforts to build lasting peace in the world, always looking to that day when swords will be beaten into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks.

This Holy Week and Easter, let us renew our determination to live in a world where all life is valued, where mutual respect and understanding are treasured, and where peace is a living reality. May the words and actions of all people mirror those of our risen Lord, now and in the days to come: “Peace be with you”.