Picture this: it’s a warm April evening in Hong Kong, and a kind-hearted Buddhist woman reaches out to her local Catholic chapel for an unusual request – to hold her late husband’s ashes. Why? Because her superstitious neighbors would be too spooked to visit her otherwise.

Now, you might be wondering what this has to do with Columban Missionaries, Holy Saturday, and a certain Fr Charles Cullen who kicked the bucket way back in 1923. Hang tight, because it’s all connected – I promise.

You see, the predicament our friend in Hong Kong found herself in is strikingly similar to one faced by Jesus’ disciples after his crucifixion. With little time to figure out what to do, and a High Sabbath just around the corner, it took a bold move from secret disciple Joseph of Arimathea to provide a proper burial for Jesus. But he didn’t stop there – oh no, he went and offered his own fancy tomb as well!

Now let’s fast forward a few centuries to Fr Charles Cullen, who arrived in China fresh-faced and eager to start his missionary life. Sadly, his dreams were cut short when he died unexpectedly, sending shockwaves through the community. But in their hour of need, a kind stranger came to the rescue with a beautiful, handcrafted coffin – one he had actually intended for himself!

Now, I bet you’re starting to see the parallels here, aren’t you? We’ve got the story of Jesus, the tale of Fr Charles Cullen, and our dear Buddhist friend, all tied together by a thread of kindness and self-sacrifice. As she plans to give her husband a final Christian farewell, she hopes that one day, they will be reunited.

And that, my friends, is the beauty of Easter and the power of compassion, transcending cultural and religious boundaries, showing that love truly knows no limits.

So as you tuck into your chocolate eggs and celebrate new beginnings this Easter, spare a thought for the unexpected heroes throughout history and around the world who remind us what the holiday is all about. Whether it’s Joseph of Arimathea, the anonymous Chinese coffin-maker, or our Hong Kong Buddhist woman – they all teach us the true meaning of sacrifice, love, and the hope of re-connection in this life and beyond.