A sea of candlelight cast a comforting glow over those gathered in the darkened Cathedral of Saint Patrick for the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, March 30th.
The Liturgy of Light (Lucernarium) commenced as Bishop Michael R. Cote and ministers proceeded in silence and darkness to the rear of the Cathedral. There, the Bishop spoke to the faithful about the significance of the vigil before bestowing a blessing upon the new fire, which would be used to light the Paschal candle.
Father Brian Romanowski then carried the lit candle down the main aisle into the dimly lit Cathedral, pausing three times to sing “The Light of Christ” with the congregation responding, “Praise Be to God.”
The flame from the Paschal candle was passed on to smaller white candles held by parishioners, enveloping the entire church in a warm glow. Upon the Easter candle's arrival in the sanctuary Michael Lianos, music director for the Cathedral, chanted the Easter Proclamation, also known as the Exsultet in Latin, signifying a time of rejoicing.
This Proclamation eloquently conveys the Easter mystery, emphasizing Jesus’ death and resurrection for humanity’s redemption. After readings during the Liturgy of the Word, Bishop Cote proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest,” prompting the Cathedral bells and organ, silent since Holy Thursday, to resound once more in a jubilant celebration.
Six individuals received the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion -- Lori Ciccone, Patrick Mahoney-Balestracci, Evyn Marquez, Jasmin Mote, Isabella Pepas, and Anthony Perez.
They, along with Alicia Baker, Marcus Longo, Alivia Paige, Lea Robert, and Jacob Yost received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Bishop Cote delivered a moving Homily prior to the institution of the Sacraments of Initiation.
Tapping into a reflection by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, on the meaning of Galilee, the place where the apostles first met Jesus and to where they returned after the Resurrection, Bishop Cote said, “There is a Galilee in life where our journey began with Jesus. We too must return to the Galilee which is particular to each of us.”
He concluded his Homily by saying, “Let us take courage and return to Galilee where we can rediscover the ardor that was ours when we first encountered God. He who is the source of all love, both human and divine, receiving the fire and the light, which Jesus so desires to bring to the world.”
Have a Blessed Easter Season
By Wayne Gignac