There is a lot to celebrate on Easter.
Bishop Edward Malesic reminded the faithful of that during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, April 4 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. He also reinforced that message while celebrating the livestreamed 11 a.m. Mass on Easter Sunday, April 5, in the cathedral.
During the cathedral’s Easter Vigil, seven people were welcomed into the Church, including two who were baptized. They are among about 1,200 new Catholics across the diocese this year, the bishop said. He noted the number of people entering the Church is rising.
(See a composite photo gallery above with pictures from both the Easter Vigil and Easter Mass.)
The Easter Vigil began in darkness, but after the Paschal candle was lit, the flame was shared and light soon filled the church.
After the solemnity of Good Friday, the joyful sounds of the organ, musicians and choir once again were heard, as were an abundance of alleluias.
The Easter Vigil consists of four main parts: the Service of Light, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of Baptism and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It was celebrated throughout the diocese and the world on Holy Saturday night. The new Catholics received the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation and Holy Communion during the liturgy. Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost and several other priests concelebrated the vigil.
“This is a special night,” the bishop said. “You remind us of the great gift of our faith,” he told the newest members of the Church. The light entering the church also reminds us of Jesus’ Resurrection and his return to us. “Today is the happy ending of Good Friday.”
He reinforced to the congregation that the events and solemn liturgies of Holy Week were not akin to staging a play. “This is a living reality that we enter … the Resurrection is not just about Jesus, it’s also about us … Death is no longer the end of the road for those who believe in him … Let’s not identify with the way of the world. Let’s identify with the way of Christ. Our future was made possible because Jesus rose from the dead.”
The message of joy will continue throughout the liturgical season of Easter, which will conclude with the solemnity of Pentecost on May 24.