What Is It? Easter Vigil - Holy Saturday: Explained

The blessing of the Easter fire begins this celebration. From that fire, the paschal candle is lit. After the readings, the liturgy of baptism begins. While the new members of the community are baptized, the whole community joins in renewing our promises and as the whole community is sprinkled with water we remember our baptism. 

The paschal candle symbolizes Jesus as light of the world. It is from this candle that baptism candles are lit throughout the year, that we celebrate the life of faith of the newly departed and that we celebrate the commitment of faith in the sacrament of confirmation. It stands as a symbol of our faith and our desire to be light to the world as Jesus is for us. 

 Jesus always speaks about hope; a hope that is not based on chances that things will get better—or at least not any worse. His hope is built upon the promise that, whatever happens, God will stay with us at all times, in all places. God is the God of Life! 

 How would you feel if you were being baptized tonight? What does it mean for you to celebrate the joy of Jesus' resurrection?