9 Days to Easter Joy
by Fr. Rich Conlin
Published by Sophia Institute Press
Also available as an ebook or audiobook on the Saintifi app
Throughout Lent, we give our efforts to growing in virtue and distinguishing our vices. We may add some new prayer practices and devotions that benefit us. I think the best thing to do after Lent ends is to keep the momentum going! This year, I kept my eye out for some helpful Easter devotions that will allow me continue to devote time to the Lord daily in an intentional way. The Holy Week and Easter Octave devotional by Fr. Rich Conlin, 9 Days to Easter Joy, is the perfect way to bridge Lent to Easter via Holy Week.
The Book Begins 9 Days Before Easter
This book begins on the Friday before Holy Week – 9 days before Easter. It’s like a personal final novena to bring you to Easter morning. Be sure to read the introduction to reflect on how you have encountered Jesus throughout Lent.
The Format of the Book
Each daily reflection and reading is short and powerful. They include:
- A name for Jesus to ponder (ie. Warrior, Shepherd, King, Light, Lord)
- An insightful and inspiring reflection by Fr. Conlin that centers around scripture
- A novena prayer
- Occasional journal prompts and space for you to write right in the book
Keep Going Through the Easter Octave
The readings and reflections in this part of the book are pure joy! They are a great way to enter into the Easter season and revel in Christ’s Resurrection. This part includes scriptural reflections similar to the first part, but no novena prayers. The titles for Jesus continue, and they are wonderful and Easter-themed. Later in the Easter Octave, Fr. Conlin include some “Bonus Challenges” which would be great for journaling. There is not dedicated space in the book for these, but there are generous margins where you could write your thoughts. You could also use a separate journal for writing. There is even a fun final challenge that will help you spread the Easter joy to others!
The Last Day: Divine Mercy Sunday
Fr. Conlin ends the devotional with Divine Mercy Sunday, but he doesn’t leave you hanging! He gives the reader one last challenge to continue everyday going forward. This final challenge has you reflect on 7 ways you have seen Jesus in your day. The conclusion of the book also gives 3 concrete ways to continue to carry the Easter joy through all 50 days:
- Return to the Octave
- Plan to share the joy
- Explore the appendix
The appendix includes 3 additional meditations for you to return to.
Final Thoughts
This is a wonderful devotional to have on hand for Holy Week and the Easter Octave. Fr. Conlin’s writing is impactful and encourages deep reflection. I love that it bridges Lent to Easter so that you can keep the momentum going with your pious practices and devotions.
You can find 9 Days to Easter Joy at Sophia Institute Press.
You can also find it as an ebook or audiobook on the Saintifi app.
