A sea of candlelight brought a comforting glow to those gathered in the darkened Cathedral of Saint Patrick for the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, April 8.
The Liturgy of Light (Lucernarium) began as Bishop Michael R. Cote and ministers proceeded in silence and darkness to the rear of the Cathedral. There, the Bishop read to the faithful about the meaning of the vigil before performing a blessing of the new fire, which is used to light the Paschal candle.
"May we know the consolations of the risen Lord today, and in the days ahead," Bishop Cote said in his homily.
The lighted candle was carried by Father Michael Bovino along the main aisle into the darkened Cathedral, and Fr. Michael stopped three times, singing “The Light of Christ” with congregants responding “Praise Be to God.”
Flame from the Paschal candle was spread to the smaller white candles held by parishioners, and the whole church soon was bathed in warm light. When the Easter candle arrived in the sanctuary, Father Peter Langevin chanted the Easter Proclamation, also called the Exsultet, from the Latin, “Rejoice.”
The Proclamation tells of the mystery of Easter and of Jesus’ death and resurrection to redeem man. Following readings during the Liturgy of the Word, Bishop Cote intoned, “Glory to God in the highest,” and the Cathedral bells and organ, mute since Holy Thursday, sounded again in fanfare.
One candidate received the sacrament of Baptism and of Holy Communion, and there were seven candidates for Confirmation.
"By your Baptism, you have been born again in Christ," Bishop Cote said before Blessing each. "Now you are to share in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit among us."
By Ryan Blessing
