‘Let there be light’: Easter Vigil fire dispels the darkness

 April 27, 2017

THE CHURCH, SEEN HERE IN THE ASSEMBLY FOR THE EASTER VIGIL AT ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL ON APRIL 15, KEEPS WATCH AND CELEBRATES THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST IN THE SACRAMENTS, AWAITING HIS RETURN IN GLORY.  THIS HOLY NIGHT, WHICH IS THE TURNING POINT OF THE TRIDUUM, MARKS THE PASSING OF CHRIST’S DEATH INTO LIFE. (PHOTOS BY DENNIS CALLAHAN/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

The Easter Vigil is the turning point of the Triduum, the Passover of the new covenant, which marks Christ’s passage from death to life. The vigil begins with the Service of Light and includes blessing of the fire and lighting of the candle; procession; and singing of the Easter Proclamation (Exsultet).

Pictures here are from the vigil at St. Mary’s Cathedral April 15.

CANDLES OF THE LARGE ASSEMBLY BEGIN TO BREAK THE DARKNESS AT ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL ON APRIL 15.

ARCHBISHOP SALVATORE J. CORDILEONE LIGHTS A TAPER HE WILL USE TO LIGHT THE PASCHAL CANDLE BEING HELD BY A SERVER BEHIND HIM. FATHER PAUL COLEMAN, THE ARCHBISHOP’S PRIEST SECRETARY, IS AT LEFT.

THREE MEN LIGHT THE BLAZING FIRE TO BEGIN THE VIGIL, USING OLD PALMS FOR KINDLING. THE FLAMES SYMBOLIZE DISPELLING THE DARKNESS AND LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT TO HERALD CHRIST’S RESURRECTION.

A WOMAN RELIGIOUS RESTS IN THE CALM OF THE VIGIL.