Easter Vigil, Holy Saturday

April 15, 2006

The Easter Vigil service begins after sundown on Holy Saturday as the crowd gathers inside the unlit church. In the darkness outside the church, a new fire is kindled and blessed. This new fire symbolizes the light of salvation and hope that God brought into the world through Christ's Resurrection, dispelling the darkness of sin and death. From this fire is lit the Paschal candle, symbolizing the Light of Christ. This Paschal candle will be used throughout the season of Easter, remaining in the sanctuary of the Church or near the lectern, and throughout the coming year at baptisms and funerals, reminding all that that Christ is "light and life." (Click on any thumbnail image to view at full size - set your browser to allow popups from this site to see the bigger images)