Easter Vigil

 

Last night, I went to the Easter Vigil. It's the eve of Easter Sunday and it's the holiest feast, where we welcome the new Catholics into the church who are receiving their sacraments for the first time. I had never been before, but this year, I decided I wanted to go and make extra time to attend. It's a longer service, around 2 in a half hours. 

I can see more clearly why Easter is the biggest, the greatest, the most joyful feast day in the church. (It is also the longest season- 50 days!) Attending the Easter Vigil really showcased that. Its the excitement and anticipation of Christ rising from the dead, the first time singing and proclaiming 'ALLELUIA' and having beautiful flowers and decorations, mostly white and yellow gold to symbolize Christ's triumph over and his Resurrection for us. 

I really loved the symbolism and the powerful witness of declaring our faith and being a shining light to those who were coming into the church. This was when everyone in the church was holding a candle (and the church was packed), and then with all the lights out in the church, we had our candles lit. The big, tall Easter candle was processed in, and other smaller candles were ignited from there. The other priests walking down the aisle shared their flame with the first person in each pew, who passed on their flame to be lit by another's candle. It was really quite amazing to witness and experience! Eventually, we extinguished our candles and all the lights in the church were turned back on. 

I decided to wear my medal of St. Maria Goretti, my confirmation saint. It was there in that same church that I received the sacrament of Confirmation 13 years ago. In support and commemoration of those catechumens who were entering into the church as a catholic for the first time, I wanted to remember my own confirmation. 

 I am learning more and more that this is one of my favorite liturgical seasons! How bright, joyous and full of hope it is! Without the Resurrection, our faith is meaningless. He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed! Happy Easter!!