We gathered to celebrate the Easter Vigil on Sunday, April 20, early in the morning still in darkness. The celebration began at 4:30 AM in the park by the church with the blessing of the fire and the Paschal candle, which led us to the entrance of the church. Here we lit our small candles prepared by our altar servers on Holy Saturday morning. During the hymn Exsultet, the only light illuminating the church was from the candles. As the liturgy of the word proceeded, dawn began to break outside the windows, and we all looked forward to the moment of transition to light during the hymn Gloria, when the church was fully lit, and children from the parish arrived ringing various bells. A very powerful moment of the entire festive liturgy was the baptismal service, during which we witnessed the baptism of four adults and two small children. The adults also received the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist. A beautiful testimony. After more than three hours of liturgy, we all looked forward to the prepared breakfast and gathering at the deanery. The late timing of Easter contributed to the beautiful warm and sunny weather that also drew us outside in front of the rectory.
