Easter Vigil

The Great Vigil is the first liturgy of Easter Day. It is celebrated between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter morning. The service begin in darkness and ends with light and bells and celebration. The liturgy normally consists of four parts:

The Service of Light: a new fire is kindled, and from it the Paschal Candle is lit, symbolizing Christ, the light of the world. The Exultet, an ancient song of praise, is sung or said as the climax of this part of the liturgy.

The Service of Lessons: These recount the history of salvation, from Creation to the Exodus, the prophecies of redemption, and more. There are typically three to nine readings, followed by a psalm or canticle. 

The Holy Eucharist is the proper culmination of the Easter Liturgy. As we keep this holy feast, we share the joy of our Savior’s triumph and are strengthened by his grace to walk in newness of life.