As we move into the Easter octave, there is a chance to share some of the key moments from this year's Easter vigil.
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| Paschal Candle |
A single light shinning in the darkness, below the shadow of the stand for the Paschal candle (see below). And so in the darkness with only candles lit from this single Paschal light we listened to the story of salvation. Seven readings from the Old Testament beginning with the wonders of creation, moving onto the story of Abraham our father in faith, who was willing to sacrifice Isaac his only son. We listened to how Moses led the Israelites through the Red Sea and heard readings from Isaiah, Baruch and Ezekiel.
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| Lectionary |
Following each reading we responded by singing a psalm, familiar favourites to those who have been to this liturgy before. Throughout a light shone on the Lectionary which had been placed on the altar.
Then light was taken from the paschal candle and used to light candles around the Cathedral including the 'big 7' - candles that are only lit when the Bishop is present.
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| Five of the 'big 7' shining in the darkness |
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| Altar servers ringing bells at start of the Gloria |
As the altar servers took it in turns to ring the bells and the organ played, we sang the Gloria that great hymn of praise. By the end of Gloria the lights were turned on and we listened to a reading from the New Testament, before singing Alleliua, the first time since Lent began. Then Deacon Jim Wood processed to the Ambo to read the Gospel.
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Deacon Jim Wood
carrying the Gospel |
Following this Bishop Michael Campbell, sat in the cathedra (the Bishop's seat which is one of the signs that St Peter is a cathedral) to deliver his homily. Amongst other things, he reminded us that:
This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it psalm 118 v 24
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Bishop Michael Campbell
sitting on the Cathedra |
Following his homily the Bishop processed to the Baptistry to bless the water which will be used for baptisms during the year ahead.
After the water had been blessed we then renewed our Baptismal promises and were sprinkled with Holy water.
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| Bishop Michael blessing with Holy water |
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| Paschal Candle 2013 |
We then moved into the Liturgy of the Eucharist and finished our great celebration of the Easter Triduum with the choir singing Regina Coeli laetare, Alleliua (Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleliua).
Thank you
A great celebration at the end of a busy week, only made possible by so many people using their gifts and talents - so thank you to the servers and their parents, the choir and choristers, the readers, welcomers, and the many who work behind the scenes in the office, preparing service sheets, cleaning, flower arranging, sorting the fire, preparing the church, providing hospitality for visitors.
Finally
Our paschal candle not hidden in darkness this time, but shinning out for the next 50 days of Easter. To learn more about the paschal candle visit Cathedral Year of Faith blog
He is risen, Alleliua
