HOLY SATURDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY

Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), the holiest day of the entire year, the third day of the Sacred Paschal Triduum, the women and the disciples discovered the empty tomb and Jesus risen. It was before sunrise on the first day of the week. Mary Magdalene stood weeping beside the empty tomb. Upon seeing the gardener, she asked “Tell me where you have laid Him?” But it was Jesus, and he said to her “Mary”, and she recognized Him. She turned to Him and said “Rabbouni!" John 20

Traditionally, the Easter Vigil takes place between sunset on Saturday night and sunrise on Sunday morning. It is the first celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. It begins with a blazing fire, dispelling the darkness. With readings from the Old Testament and culminating in the New Testament, new members of the Church are baptized and the faithful renew their Baptismal promises. The entire Vigil comes to a climax in the celebration of the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, which He sheds for the remission of our sins, that we would be in union with God.

Easter Sunday marks the beginning of Eastertide. This day (which includes the Easter Vigil) is the most holy day of the entire liturgical year. We celebrate the resurrection of Christ from the dead; God’s triumph over Satan, and that our belief in Him may bring us the gift of eternal life.

"Jesus went out to every dark corner of human experience so that He could draw the whole world back to Him."  Bishop Robert Barron

Christus Surrexit Vere, Alleluia!