Sisters and brothers in Christ, on this holy night when our Savior Jesus passed from death to life, we gather with the church throughout the world in vigil and prayer. This is the Passover of Jesus Christ: through light and the Word, through water and the bread and cup, we recall Jesus' death and resurrection, we share Christ's triumph over sin and death, and with inextinguishable hope we await Christ's coming again.
At the Great Vigil of Easter, we all gather outside in the darkness and using the tradition handed down through the Church for centuries, we kindle the new fire of Easter which is the light of Christ rising in glory, overcoming the darkness of sin and death! The Paschal Candle is then lighted. The Paschal candle is large, and traditionally made of 100% beeswax. It is marked with a cross, an Alpha, and an Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The four numbers of the year are marked between the arms of the cross, symbolizing that Christ has, and always will be with humanity, and is with humanity now. For much of the year the paschal candle stands near the font and is lighted at every baptism, providing a symbolic link with this celebration of our Lord's Resurrection and our own baptisms. Once the Paschal Candle is lighted, we then each light candles and process into the darkened church, with this new fire of Easter and see the darkness overcome by the light of Christ each of us bears in our hands.
It is the church year's most holy and joyful night, for it proclaims and celebrates all of Christ's saving work. The Great Easter Vigil draws Christians into the reality of Christ's life, passion, death, and resurrection.
This ancient service, dating from the fourth century, is one of the most beautiful and moving liturgies of the entire year. The power of Easter Vigil comes through strong symbols of light and water, together with Sacrament and Word. Everyone who attends for the first time seems to find the Easter Vigil to be a awe-inspiring and solemn way to celebrate what God has done, is doing, and will do. Plan to attend the Vigil this year - it may just bring the true meaning of Easter home for you.
