For many around the world, Easter 2020 will be one of deprivation. It might be one of separation from loved ones. It might be one of sorrow.

But we pray that it is also one of resurrection, as we remember that future Easter’s will be brighter.

The men shown here are Polish soldiers, celebrating Easter 80 years ago, stationed in France. The priest is blessing the food that they will share. It’s quite possible that this was their last Easter. It was an Easter of deprivation, of separation from loved ones, of sorrow. But it was also an Easter of resurrection. On the battlefields of France they proclaimed, as we can proclaim again today: He is Risen! Alleluia!

The photo is courtesy of the Polish National Digital Archives.