Dear Members of the USF Community,
As I write, I am reflecting on the postcard-perfect spring days on the Hilltop last week, when we celebrated our most recent alumni with the Welcome Home Commencement ceremonies and introduced our newest students and families to campus with Destination USF.
Spring transforms our world, and it is the season across cultures when faith communities celebrate. Hindus celebrate the season with Holi, the Festival of Colors. Jews commemorate Passover and the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, a powerful symbol of hope amid adversity. Buddhists in Thailand, along with many other South Asia nations, celebrate the traditional new year in spring with Songkran. Muslims worldwide are now observing the holy month of Ramadan with reflection and fasting, culminating in the celebration of Eid on May 1.
In the Christian tradition, this Sunday is Easter, the day at the heart of faith in Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead to offer the gift of eternal life. I take great comfort in Easter as a day to contemplate that neither the death of Jesus on Good Friday nor the great pain and suffering our world is experiencing is the last word. Life and love triumph.
I am praying for all members of the USF community this Easter, and wishing you and those you love the blessings of this season's diverse traditions. May you have a safe and happy spring as we look forward together to many more celebrations to come.
Sincerely,
Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.
President