Part 8: The Easter Vigil

As we approach the main entrance of the darkened church all adults and older youth are handed an unlit candle by our ushers.  We pass by a burning fire leaping against the dark sky on this the holiest of nights. It evokes memories of our salvation history:  the first day of creation, of Moses' awe before the burning bush, of slaves following a pillar of flame to freedom, of the fiery furnace, of the promised covenant made at Isaac's near sacrifice on a pyre, of tongues of fire descending upon the apostles, of candles at baptisms and weddings, of family memories around a campfire, of candle lit meals on special occasions and eternal flames, all reminding us of a spirit that cannot be quenched but passes from generation to generation, from age to age, a spirit that knows no national boundaries, no insurmountable impediments and yet a spirit that is so personal, so intertwined with the moments of our own lives.

As we enter the church, carrying with us our unlit candle and our own memories of personal moments of salvation and the people who were our guides, we pass through the main church doors which symbolize the gates of Jerusalem, the gates of heaven.

Inside there are no flowers, no candles burning, no holy water, no altar cloths or any types of decoration.  We are waiting and watching as we have been through these 3 days of the Triduum.

When this service of light begins there is no entrance procession as this liturgy actually began 3 days ago on Holy Thursday.  The presider greets us and explains what is about to happen.  Then he blesses the fire outside with these words:  "Father, we share in the light of your glory through your Son, the light of the world.  Make this new fire + holy and inflame us with new hope.  Purify our minds by this Easter celebration and bring us one day to the feast of eternal light.".  The Paschal candle is then lit from the Easter Fire.  The lit candle proclaims the life and light of Jesus Christ.  A proclamation rings out "Christ our Light"  and we respond "Thanks be to God".  The thurifer leads the unusual procession, with it's incense rising, symbolizing our community's prayer rising to God. The paschal candle is then raised at the great entry doors and again "Christ our Light" rings out. And we again respond, "Thanks Be to God".

Altar servers approach the giant candle and light their candles.  This fire, from the Paschal candle lights each of our candles.  Our church is ablaze with the light of Christ that each of us holds.

The procession continues on until arriving near the altar.  The candle is then turned toward the people and a third time "Christ our Light" rings out as we respond "Thanks be to God".  On this night, around the world  new Catholics are welcomed into the church through the waters of Baptism.  This is the night when the church's finest are used to celebrate the holiest night of the year.  Come be a part of the waiting, the watching and the celebrating!