“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 

To the University community: 

As we approach the end of Lent and prepare for Holy Week leading to the observance of Easter, we reflect on this sacred time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  

To help us draw on the true meaning of this sacred season of resurrection and rebirth, we turn to John 3:16, a passage that is central to all of Christianity where the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ is understood and God’s love and mercy is told. 

Just as this passage has many layers of significance, so does this time of year for us as Lasallians. We are further bound to the Eastertide by the passing of our Patron, Saint John Baptist de La Salle, who entered eternal life on Good Friday, April 7, 1719. May we follow his example by being bearers of peace and hope to all whom we encounter and by bringing an awareness of God’s presence to our University community. 

I also ask you to join me in prayer for God’s blessings upon the Jewish and Muslim members of our University community, as they observe Passover and Ramadan, respectively, during this time of year. 

Let us embrace the messages of love, forgiveness, and redemption found in all faith traditions and that inspire us to live our lives with compassion and kindness. 

Have a blessed and happy Easter. 

Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.   
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.   

Sincerely,  

Daniel J. Allen, Ph.D.  
President