| Dear Catholic Online Reader,
"Roll call was at five in the morning. They would burst into the cells and force us outside. When the whistle sounded, everybody had to fall silent and stand at attention, even during downpours and snowstorms, in the winter ice, or under the scorching summer sun….”
This Easter season, I’d like to share with you Bishop Simoni’s story. Under Communist rule in Albania, the young priest was imprisoned and tortured.
We were left in the sun all day. Shackled and left that way. Guns were tied to us.  That way if we made any movements, we would shoot ourselves." Yet this priest’s Faith embraced him and lifted him up when he feared he could no longer stand. Faith filled his heart with prayer when his captors cursed God and His existence.
After his release, Bishop Simoni was forced to minister to his flock secretly, praying from his concealed Bible. Faithful would quietly gather in the hallway of an apartment building, some carrying babies to be baptized, all were in grave danger.
"Easter was the biggest holiday we celebrated. We hung wreaths, but did so that it did not look religious. We also baked cakes. But we celebrated in secret."
At this very moment priests are risking their lives—in Syria, India, and Iraq. As it was for Jesus, their incredible commitment to their Faith helps them to rise above their suffering, and tend to their faithful.
This Easter, please help our priests in danger. Your gift is a testament to your faith. Your prayers and support will demonstrate that our shared Faith is unbroken, and, like Jesus, will ever rise above the pain and suffering in this world. You will be remembered gratefully in their prayers.
May the joy of the Risen Christ be with you and your loved ones now
and always.
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