The sun was shining today after weeks of bleak, cold, rain and a snowfall last week. It is Easter! Christ has risen, allelujah! Warmth and light has come.
Easter, like Christmas, fills the Church to the brim with parishioners celebrating Christ's rising from the dead. Everyone in their Sunday best, the little girls in pretty spring dresses, little boys in suits and shirts, celebrating this most auspicious day, second only to Christmas. The Altar was adorned with pink and purple hydrangea and white tulle, ethereal by itself, was draped by the altar.
The Service of Light, Baptism and Confirmation of new adult members were held at the Easter vigil. Our friend Felipe was instrumental in preparing the candidates, inactive Catholics or non baptized candidates, through the process of Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
The Paschal candle was blessed and lit at this Easter vigil, from which all of our candles were lit. This is the candle that will be used for all services, baptisms, funerals to remind us that "Christ is light and life."
We renewed our Baptismal vows and were sprinkled with the Holy Water. The fonts are now filled with holy water.
The Gloria in Excelsis Deo was sung for the first time since before Lent except on Holy Thursday, and the church bells rang.
I remember being part of little angels growing up in Tuguegarao, as organized by Sr. Felici du Rosaire of St. Paul College, with the choice angel taking the veil off Mother Mary. We celebrated this at midnight and being about 7 years old, you can see that the excitement and anticipation of being raised up to lift Mary's veil or simply being part of this angelic group, would keep all of us awake.
Where there was silence during Lent, now there is music and gladness.
Happy Easter - peace, joy, light and graces to you all.
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