A Festal Letter on the Passion as Good News

When the Master underwent the saving Passion for the sake of humanity, the company of the holy apostles was deeply disheartened, for they did not clearly know what the fruit of the Passion would be. But when they learned of the salvation that grew from it, they called the proclaiming of the Passion good news, and eagerly offered it to all people. [a]

And those who believed, being enlightened in mind, gladly received it. They keep the feast in memory of the Passion, and make the moment of death an occasion for celebration and festivity, for the resurrection so closely joined to it takes away the sadness of death and becomes a pledge of the resurrection of all. Having just now taken part in this celebration, we send you this good news of the feast like a fragrant perfume, and we greet your piety.