Christus Resurréxit! Resurréxit Vere!

Christ is risen, alleluia! Indeed, He is risen, alleluia! A happy and most blessed Easter to you and your families! May the abundant blessings of God be upon you as we celebrate this most glorious feast and enter into the joyful time of Paschaltide, celebrating Christ’s great triumph over sin and death and the new life that He won for us.

The first Mass of Easter is the beautiful Vigil Mass, one of the most stunning ceremonies of the liturgical year. The ceremony begins outdoors the night of Holy Saturday with the kindling and blessing of the New Fire and the blessing of the Paschal Candle, which is lit from the Fire and in turn lights the candles carried by the ministers and people during the liturgy. The priest and people process into the church, led by the lit Paschal Candle, the symbol of the Risen Christ, and the liturgy continues with readings from the Old Testament that describe the history of God’s plan of salvation. Afterwards are blessed the baptismal waters that will be used in the coming year, and those present renew the promises of their Baptism. When all is complete, the Solemn Mass of the Vigil is offered and concludes with the Solemn Lauds of Easter Day. +

Let the angelic choirs of Heaven now rejoice; let the divine mysteries rejoice; and let the trumpet of salvation sound forth the victory of so great a King. Let the earth also rejoice, made radiant by such splendor; and, enlightened with the brightness of the eternal King, let it know that the darkness of the whole world is scattered.

– from the Exsultet, the beautiful proclamation of Easter sung by the deacon

The Masses and devotions of the Triduum can be viewed at our online apostolate, LiveMass.