Tonight in our parishes after sundown we gather for the Great Easter Vigil where we will experience Jesus rising from the dead. We gather in darkness and light the Easter fire which reminds us that Jesus is light in the darkness. He is the light of the world. We enter into the church and attentively listen to Bible stories describing God’s saving work of the past. Suddenly, the church lights are lit and the Gloria is sung as we celebrate the moment of Christ’s resurrection. He Lives! In the joy of the resurrection we experience the Risen Jesus ministering through the priest as Jesus confers the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist for our Catechumens and Candidates who have prepared for many months for this night. As a Church we sing Alleluia for the first time in forty days. Do everything you can to be present on this evening and invite friends and family to join. Our Vigil ushers in an Easter joy that never ends!
3 Replies to “The Easter Vigil”
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I went to St. Matthew’s Cathedral for the Vigil for the first time in a few years.
When they processed in and started passing the flame to light everyone’s candles, when mine wouldn’t light, I discovered that my candle didn’t have a wick! So, no light for me. I hope that’s not a bad sign.
Have a Happy Easter everyone! The Lord is Risen!
I suspect Bender that all it meant was that the candle had no wick! You are surely a light to us here. Blessed Easter!
That is very kind of you to say, Monsignor. You are a pretty bright beacon to the world yourself.