Calling to mind the time in which Christ was in the tomb, Mass is not celebrated again until the Easter Vigil, which takes place after nightfall on Saturday.
The faithful gather after sundown to celebrate this lengthy Mass, consisting of four parts, which in ancient times would last throughout the night until sunrise as Christians kept “vigil” for the Easter dawn.
In the first part, the Lucernarium, the faithful assemble around a blazing fire, which represents a new creation. The new paschal candle is lit from this fire, and in turn is used to light smaller candles held by the priest and the people as they process into the dark church. The celebration of light climaxes with the singing of the Easter Proclamation which announces the victory of the Light of the World over the darkness of sin and death.
The Liturgy of the Word follows in the second part, consisting of seven readings from the Old Testament (in some places reduced to three) and two from the New Testament (the epistle and the Gospel). These readings span salvation history from creation through the Law and Prophets, highlighting the fulfillment of God’s promises.
In the Baptismal Liturgy, the third part, all the faithful renew their baptismal promises and are sprinkled with the new water.
Finally, in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the faithful celebrate the fullness of the Paschal Mystery by offering sacrifice to the Lord and receiving the Body and Blood of Christ in the new and everlasting covenant.
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