Easter Vigil 2021
The Great Paschal Vigil is the apex of the Church's liturgical year and is the solemnity upon which the rest of the year revolves. It was on the first Easter that the Lord's disciples discovered the empty tomb, indicating that Christ had risen from the dead.
By His Resurrection Jesus Christ triumphed over death, paid the debt that came through the sin of Adam, and thus opened the gates of Heaven to mankind. Thus, the Lord's Resurrection on Easter thus marks the turning point in salvation history.
It is for this reason that Christians have great reason to rejoice in the new life brought to us by the Risen Savior. Salvation has come at last! For this reason, the Church resumes the use of the word "alleluia" which is said with even greater frequency and fervor for the rest of the fifty days of the Easter season, also known as 'Paschaltide.' The Church also rejoices at the birth of many new children through the waters of Baptism.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is no mere historical event relegated to history but a living reality which Christians experience again and again each year. It is an ever ancient and ever new mystery that is re-presented each year. May all discover and receive the new life to be found in the Risen Savior.
Easter Vigil 2021
The Great Paschal Vigil is the apex of the Church's liturgical year and is the solemnity upon which the rest of the year revolves. It was on the first Easter that the Lord's disciples discovered the empty tomb, indicating that Christ had risen from the dead.
By His Resurrection Jesus Christ triumphed over death, paid the debt that came through the sin of Adam, and thus opened the gates of Heaven to mankind. Thus, the Lord's Resurrection on Easter thus marks the turning point in salvation history.
It is for this reason that Christians have great reason to rejoice in the new life brought to us by the Risen Savior. Salvation has come at last! For this reason, the Church resumes the use of the word "alleluia" which is said with even greater frequency and fervor for the rest of the fifty days of the Easter season, also known as 'Paschaltide.' The Church also rejoices at the birth of many new children through the waters of Baptism.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is no mere historical event relegated to history but a living reality which Christians experience again and again each year. It is an ever ancient and ever new mystery that is re-presented each year. May all discover and receive the new life to be found in the Risen Savior.