Holy Saturday: The Easter Vigil

The Easter Vigil: The Night That Gave Birth to New Life

The Easter Vigil is the pinnacle of the Paschal Triduum and the most sacred liturgy of the entire Church year. Celebrated after nightfall on Holy Saturday, it marks the passage from death to life, from the sorrow of the tomb to the joy of the Resurrection. It is the night when the Church keeps watch in prayer, proclaiming that Christ, the Light of the World, has conquered darkness and death.

The Service of Light
The Vigil begins in darkness. A new fire is kindled outside the church, from which the Paschal Candle—representing the Risen Christ—is lit. The congregation processes into the dark church, led by this single flame, as the light spreads among the faithful. The deacon then chants the Exsultet, the great Easter Proclamation, announcing the triumph of Christ over sin and death.

Liturgy of the Word
A series of readings—up to seven from the Old Testament, followed by a New Testament epistle and the Gospel—tell the sweeping story of salvation: from creation, through the Exodus, to the promise fulfilled in Christ’s Resurrection. After weeks of fasting and silence, the Gloria and Alleluia return, filling the church with light and sound as the Resurrection is proclaimed.

Liturgy of Baptism
In this most joyful part of the Vigil, the Church welcomes new members through the Sacraments of Initiation. The baptismal font is blessed, and catechumens are baptized and confirmed, often clothed in white garments and holding candles lit from the Paschal Flame. The faithful also renew their own baptismal promises, recommitting themselves to life in Christ.

Liturgy of the Eucharist
The newly baptized now join the entire assembly in the celebration of the Eucharist—Christ’s Body and Blood offered and shared in glory. After the long Lenten journey and the silence of Good Friday, the Church finally rejoices in the fullness of the Resurrection.

The Easter Vigil is more than a liturgy—it is an encounter with the Risen Lord. It begins in darkness and ends in dazzling light, proclaiming to the world that Christ is alive, and through Him, so are we.