Preparing for the Great Vigil

Dear friends in Christ, On this most holy night, in which our Lord Jesus Christ passed over from death to life, the Church invites her members, dispersed throughout the world, to gather in vigil and prayer. For this is the Passover of the Lord, in which, by hearing his Word and celebrating his Sacraments, we share in his victory over death.

Saint Augustine of Hippo called the Easter Vigil the "mother of all holy vigils". The sights, sounds, smells, texture and tastes of the vigil are a vibrant celebration of the Resurrection coveying that deep sense of movement - from the tomb of Holy Saturday to the Garden of Easter, movement from darkness to light, from death to life. It is the turning point, the pivotal moment.

Paula Bailey quoted in the TABLET, 7 April 07

The liturgies of the Triduum, the Great Paschal Days, are not for the faint-hearted. Only the most committed parishioners will gather for these sacred moments, moving from passion, death, to resurrection. These days are central to our faith for they express the saving acts of God through Christ. May our alleluias that ring forth from the tomb continue to brighten our days that we may experience the utter joy that reaches to heaven.