Easter in the valley

By Archbishop Emeritus Robert Rivas OP

Last year I found the Easter lily in the valley, and resurrection came dramatically to me on Easter Sunday. Here I am rising again this year as I find the gift of mercy in the valley: mercy flowing like a river full of life and joy. A resurrection experience! Where there is resurrection, there is hope and new beginnings. My soul is an Easter soul that rises to new heights with the risen Christ.
My soul longs and waits for the Lord; and rejoices when the Lord comes. What a powerful experience is Easter! What an amazing grace God showers upon us when we least expect it in very ordinary places and things.
I am swimming in grace in the river of mercy flowing through Mary’s mystic and merciful presence in Petit Valley and the greater Diego Martin Valley. The poem below is my gift to the Community of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy and indeed to all who live in the great valley of mercy.

Mercy like a Rainbow in the Valley

I have found a new valley
which I am bold to name
the valley of mercy.
In this valley there is a Chapel
dedicated to Our Lady, Mother of Mercy.
Here Mary sheds her light brightly
as a living fountain of mercy.

How quietly she works in the valley
in an oasis of prayer and serenity
overlooking the waterwheel
that enhances the valley.
With arms wide open
she channels God’s mercy
which flows like a river in the valley.

Hail, O Queen
and Mother of Mercy:
our life, intercessor, and hope.
Intercede for this valley
at the Seat of Divine Mercy
bringing comfort and solace
to the distressed and the wearied.

Here in this valley,
majestic and beautiful,
where rainbows colour the hillsides
and decorate the skies,
in a little chapel in its interior
we claim the title:
Mother of Mercy
for Mary, Most Holy,
the splendour of our Petit Valley.

In the works of mercy in this valley
Mary is a model for all who show mercy.
Her love is transparent,
her tenderness empowering;
her merciful-kindness
endearing and inspiring.
She is the star that guides;
the mystic rainbow
and gem of faith of the valley.

A rainbow on the hillside
once attracted me to the valley.
Now I look at the hills
in sunshine and shadow,
covered with Sahara dust
and in the dry season, billows of smoke.
In the rainy season, I enjoy the low clouds,
the misty days that cool the valley,
and refresh my soul.
Now I find tranquility in the valley of mercy.

This is a valley of splendid beauty,
the valley of the waterwheel and a waterfall,
the poui and the immortelle:
alive, invigorating and inviting.
This is where I am now planted,
and can drink from the fountain of mercy
in the Chapel of Our Lady,
Mother of Mercy;
source of grace
and Divine Mercy.
I have found mercy
like a beautiful rainbow
in the valley.