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Above: The Empty Tomb by Fra Angelico
Above: The Empty Tomb by Fra Angelico
The Easter Vigil
The Easter Vigil
In order that the Faithful might be found watching at the very moment of the anniversary of Christ’s rising from the dead, joining with the angelic choirs of heaven in alleluias and hymns of triumph, the Church celebrates the Vigil Mass of Easter beginning in the evening of Holy Saturday, and ending before First Light.
The Vigil is divided into four parts and can last up to three hours:
1) the service of light,
2) the liturgy of the Word,
3) the liturgy of Baptism, and
4) the liturgy of the Eucharist.
This is also the Mass where those who have been previously baptized are brought into full communion with the Catholic Church.
Centuries ago, the service began at three o'clock in the afternoon, with the blessing the New Fire. Previously, all lights and fires had been extinguished everywhere in the community. At that time,fire was struck anew from a flint, and blessed - the New Fire representing Christ, rising to kindle in our hearts a new spiritual fire of His love; the old fires of our earthly passions having been extinguished in us by His victory over sin.
Today as in old times, the kindling of the New Fire is followed by the blessing of the Paschal Candle, performed by the deacon, who as the herald of heaven, announces to the Church the glorious Resurrection and Triumph of Christ, and the happiness of man restored to fellowship with God by the great work of His Redemption. The blessing of the Paschal Candle is quite ancient, recorded at least as early as the Sacramentary of Pope Gelasius (5th century); and in the proceedings of the Fourth Council of Toledo at which St. Isidore of Seville presided (6th century). The Paschal Candle is a symbol of Christ rising from the dead, as the light of the world.
There are five grains of frankincense fixed in the candle, representing symbolically His five wounds, as well as the spices with which he was embalmed. This great candle anciently gave light while the Church watched on Easter-eve. Traditionally, the candle is lighted at High Mass and Vespers every day during Easter week and every Sunday and Holy day until Ascension when it is retired after the Gospel is sung at High Mass. During the Vigil Mass, each of the faithful holds a candle which is lighted from the flame of the Paschal candle. A candle lit by that of another and not directly from the Paschal candle itself shines as bright as any other, symbolic of the words Jesus spoke to Thomas after the resurrection, "Blessed are they who have not seen, and and yet have believed. (John 20:29)"Next, while the faces of the Faithful glow in the light of the candles, the deacon (or priest) intones the Exsultet:
Below: A deacon singing the Exultet at the Easter Vigil
"DeaconsingingExsultet2007" by Błażej Benisz - WSD Ołtarzew, www.wsdsac.pl. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DeaconsingingExsultet2007.jpg#/Below: A deacon singing the Exultet at the Easter Vigil
Below: Video of the chanting of the Exultet in Latin at the Easter Vigil - St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
Below: Video of the chanting of the Exultet in Latin at the Easter Vigil - St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
Ideally, the Exsultet is sung in Latin, but the Faithful should prepare themselves by reading the text ahead of time in the vernacular, so that the message is clearly understood. In the unfortunate circumstance that you have never participated in an Easter Vigil in which the entire Exsultet is sung, I have included a copy in English at the very end of this post as well as a video of the Exultet chanted in English. It has a truly glorious message and the Felix Culpa or Happy Fault in the middle of the chant is one of the most profound theological statements of our Faith.
After the Exsultet, today as in ancient times, the ancient prophecies of the Old Testament are read for the instruction of those about to receive the holy Sacrament of Baptism, the font is blessed, and Baptism solemnly administered. Next, Matins was said in the old days, followed by the litany of the saints. I hope you heard the full litany of the saints during Holy Week this year. If you did, you heard the names of a very many of the dear saints and martyrs we have visited during our pilgrimage. Prior to 60 years ago, in all Catholic churhes, while the litany was sung, the celebrant, deacon, and subdeacon lay prostrate at the foot of the altar, imploring Divine mercy for the pardon of sin and all Divine graces, through the sacred mysteries of Christ's Death and Resurrection, which were to be celebrated next in the Mass of Resurrection.
Below is the Latin Chant for the Easter Vigil - it makes for a beautiful contempletive experience
Below is the Latin Chant for the Easter Vigil - it makes for a beautiful contempletive experience
In the Mass, incense was always used at the reading of the Gospel, to represent the perfumes carried by the holy women to our Saviour’s tomb. However, no lights (candles) were carried at the Vigil (except the Paschal candle) as in the usual Mass, because neither the women nor the Apostles as yet believed in His Resurrection. For the same reason, the Creed was not said during this Mass. In ancient times, the Offertory, and the Kiss of Peace were also omitted, while in Medieval times Communion, was omitted as well, because the Faithful enjoyed reception of the Blessed Eucharist only rarely. (While the Faithful did not receive the Eucharist at Easter Vigil, they did receive on the following day at Easter Mass).
The Easter Vigil includes repeated "Alleluias!" and ends with Triumphal Music as the Church can hardly contain her great joy in the Resurrection of her Lord and King.
Would you like to hear the bells of St Peter in the Vatican pealing the glorious news of Easter?
From our Eastern Brothers and Sisters - Christ is Risen! - Byzantine Chant
From our Eastern Brothers and Sisters - Christ is Risen! - Byzantine Chant
The Great Vigil of Easter is over,
The Great Vigil of Easter is over,
our watch is vindicated,
our watch is vindicated,
for indeed He has risen!
for indeed He has risen!
Just as He said . . .
Just as He said . . .
Easter Morning
Easter Morning
Our Mother Mary welcomes us now, on this great Feast of Easter, to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Today is the vindication of her Fiat, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, let it be . . ." which set in motion all the subsequent events through which she conceived and brought our Saviour and our God into the world, and then all the events of his life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
At the foot of the Cross, all the events of His earthly life processed through her memory — the glorious Annunciation, the Visitation and astonishing recognition of Elizabeth, the Presentation in the Temple, when she was greeted by old Anna the prophetess, and by the aged Simeon, who foretold what actually did take place at the foot of the Cross — " . . . a sword shall pierce your heart . . ." At last she had held Him, bloody and bruised, but no longer suffering, as they took Him down from the Cross, and laid Him in her arms. Her heart was shattered into a thousand shards . . .
But now the sorrow is over, the victory is won! He is alive! He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
But now the sorrow is over, the victory is won! He is alive! He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
We partake of the Eucharist and recognize it as the appetizer course of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. And we sing with Mary, the Triple Alleluia of Easter Morning!
The Triple Alleluia of Easter - from St Peter's Basilica - Pope Benedict XVI
The Triple Alleluia of Easter - from St Peter's Basilica - Pope Benedict XVI
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My good pilgrims, Mary has waited long to share with us her special gift for us today. She invites us now to make a visit with her to the confessio of St Mary Major.
We are standing now with Mary before the high altar of St Mary Major, looking down into the confessio under the altar:
http://mstecker.com/pages/ro2011chsmmaltersud-IMG_1441a1.htm
http://mstecker.com/pages/ro2011chsmmaltersud-IMG_1441a1.htm
As we look down into the confessio, and begin our descent, the first thing we notice is the statue of Pope Pius IX, kneeling, pointing us to the great relic housed here.
"Santa Maria Maggiore BW 2" by Berthold Werner - Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Santa_Maria_Maggiore_BW_2.JPG#/
Walking down the stairs we find ourselves in a small crypt, with a magnificent exhibit at the far end, and a number of benches. Sit wherever you like. Enshrined now in glorious surroundings, this precious relic was once enshrined in an humble stable cave. You are before the relic of the manger of Jesus. You can see the wood inside the gold and siver reliquary, through the glass.
https://adventureswithfoodntravel.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/poppp.jpg
"Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore - 2" by Maros M r a z (Maros) - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Basilica_di_Santa_Maria_Maggiore_-_2.jpg#/
"Sacra culla SM Maggiore" by Jastrow - Own work (own picture). Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sacra_culla_SM_Maggiore.jpg#/media/File:Sacra_culla_SM_Maggiore.jpg
You feel a hand on your shoulder, it is your mother Mary. Out of the corner of your eye you notice she is holding something. As you turn, you recognize that it is a Baby. Smiling, she places the Baby in your arms. Your heart trembles. As you look into the deep brown eyes, you realize you are gazing into eternity. Vulnerable and helpless in your arms, you have the power to snuff out this fragile human life, even while He is upholding in His Divinity, the very foundations of the universe. He has given Himself over to you in this moment.
His rich dark eyes twinkle as He solemnly observes your face. He seems to utter words of challenge, and yet of love, "I have given Myself over to you, will you give yourself over to Me? I love you — for eternity. Come and be one with Me forever." Your heart melts. Who could say no? Mary takes the Child to allow your fellow pilgrims to embrace Him. And yet He is still there in your arms, His tiny fingers firmly entwined around your heart. Your comprehension of the Incarnation will never be the same. You are in love . . . . .
A very blessed Easter to you from your Mother Mary, and from your Saviour, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns, world without end, forever . . . . .
The text of this hymn below is from the 3rd century. Today we hear it most commonly as a Christmas hymn, but anciently, it was sung at the Consecration. In otherwards, it is not so much about Jesus descending from Heaven and becoming Incarnate, as it is about Jesus descending in the Holy Eucharist.
He is Risen !
He is Risen Indeed !
As I promised above, here is the Exultet for you to enjoy.
The Exsultet
The Exsultet
Here is a chanted version of the Exultet in English to play while you read the words below the video:
Exult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven,
Exult, let Angel ministers of God exult,
let the trumpet of salvation
sound aloud our mighty King's triumph!
Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her,
ablaze with light from her eternal King,
let all corners of the earth be glad,
knowing an end to gloom and darkness.
Rejoice, let Mother Church also rejoice,
arrayed with the lightning of his glory,
let this holy building shake with joy,
filled with the mighty voices of the peoples.
(Therefore, dearest friends,
standing in the awesome glory of this holy light,
invoke with me, I ask you,
the mercy of God almighty,
that he, who has been pleased to number me,
though unworthy, among the Levites,
may pour into me his light unshadowed,
that I may sing this candle's perfect praises).
(Deacon: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.)
Deacon: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Deacon: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right and just.
It is truly right and just,
with ardent love of mind and heart
and with devoted service of our voice,
to acclaim our God invisible, the almighty Father,
and Jesus Christ, our Lord, his Son, his Only Begotten.
Who for our sake paid Adam's debt to the eternal Father,
and, pouring out his own dear Blood,
wiped clean the record of our ancient sinfulness.
These, then, are the feasts of Passover,
in which is slain the Lamb, the one true Lamb,
whose Blood anoints the doorposts of believers.
This is the night,
when once you led our forebears, Israel's children,
from slavery in Egypt
and made them pass dry-shod through the Red Sea.
This is the night
that with a pillar of fire
banished the darkness of sin.
This is the night
that even now throughout the world,
sets Christian believers apart from worldly vices
and from the gloom of sin,
leading them to grace
and joining them to his holy ones.
This is the night
when Christ broke the prison-bars of death
and rose victorious from the underworld.
Our birth would have been no gain,
had we not been redeemed.
O wonder of your humble care for us!
O love, O charity beyond all telling,
to ransom a slave you gave away your Son!
O truly necessary sin of Adam,
destroyed completely by the Death of Christ!
O happy fault (Felix culpa)
O happy fault (Felix culpa)
that earned for us so great, so glorious a Redeemer!
O truly blessed night,
worthy alone to know the time and hour
when Christ rose from the underworld!
This is the night
of which it is written:
The night shall be as bright as day,
dazzling is the night for me, and full of gladness.
The sanctifying power of this night
dispels wickedness, washes faults away,
restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to mourners,
drives out hatred, fosters concord, and brings down the mighty.
On this, your night of grace, O holy Father,
accept this candle, a solemn offering,
the work of bees and of your servants' hands,
an evening sacrifice of praise,
this gift from your most holy Church.
But now we know the praises of this pillar,
a flame divided but undimmed,
which glowing fire ignites for God's honour,
a fire into many flames divided,
yet never dimmed by sharing of its light,
for it is fed by melting wax,
drawn out by mother bees
to build a torch so precious.
O truly blessed night,
when things of heaven are wed to those of earth,
and divine to the human.
Therefore, O Lord,
we pray you that this candle,
hallowed to the honour of your name,
may persevere undimmed,
to overcome the darkness of this night.
Receive it as a pleasing fragrance,
and let it mingle with the lights of heaven.
May this flame be found still burning
by the Morning Star:
the one Morning Star who never sets,
Christ your Son,
who, coming back from death's domain,
has shed his peaceful light on humanity,
and lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Amen.
FROM AN EASTER SERMON OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM(4th century)
FROM AN EASTER SERMON OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM(4th century)
Let all then enter the joy of Our Lord!
Both the first and the last,
and those who come after, enjoy your reward!
Rich and poor, dance with one another,
sober and slothful, celebrate the day.
Those who have kept the fast and those who have not,
rejoice today, for the table is richly spread.
Fare royally upon it-the calf is a fatted one.
Let no one go away hungry.
All of you, enjoy the banquet of faith!
All enjoy the riches of His goodness.
Let no one cry over his poverty,
for the universal Kingdom has appeared!
Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again,
for forgiveness has risen from the grave.
Let none fear death, for the death of our Savior has set us free.
He has destroyed it by enduring it.
He spoiled the power of hell when he descended thereto.
Isaiah foretold this when he cried,
‘Death has been frustrated in meeting him below!’
It is frustrated, for it is destroyed.
It is frustrated, for it is annihilated.
It is frustrated, for now it is made captive.
For it grabbed a body and discovered God.
It took earth and behold! It encountered Heaven.
It took what was visible, and was overcome by what was invisible.
O Death, where is your sting?
O Death, where is your victory?
Christ is risen, and the demons are cast down.
Christ is risen, and life is set free.
Christ is risen, and the tomb is emptied of the dead.
For Christ, having risen from the dead,
is become the first-fruits for those who sleep.
to Him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
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