Tonight I learned about the celebration of Easter Vigil. I am not Catholic, but I was interested to see what was going on tonight when I drove by Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and saw sparks flying up inside the crowd encircling the front of the church. I joined the crowd for a few minutes just to get a sense of what was happening.
Saturday evening the Easter vigil begins with the darkness that comes after sunset. The service starts outside the church in twilight to represent the darkness of our world, and the darkness in our hearts. It is a solemn occasion. Each person prepares by readying themselves to experience the darkness. It is a time for humbling. Then a light is struck, dispelling the darkness. It is the light of Christ in our midst. The Easter fire begins outside the church, then individual candles are lit from the fire. It is now a celebration of how Christ conquered death and banished the darkness forever. It is considered the most beautiful liturgy in the Roman Catholic Church.
Easter Blessings to all.
This is an absolutely beautiful picture, and I love how you were able to learn from and participate in a tradition which is not your own. Easter is a profound reminder of our need for light in the midst of darkness
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