Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - At 10pm on Holy Saturday 7 April, the Pope presided the solemn Easter Vigil Mass in St Peter's starting in the Hall with the blessing of the Easter fire and the lighting of the Paschal Candle. The procession to the centre altar with the Paschal Candle and the singing of the Exsultet, was followed by the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of Baptism and the Eucharistic Liturgy. The Pope administered the sacraments of Christian initiation to six adults of various nationalities and the Sacrament of Baptism to two children.
During his Homily, the Pope recalled the significance of the Easter Vigil: “This is the joy of the Easter Vigil - the Pope said - : we are free”. “ In the resurrection of Jesus, love has been shown to be stronger than death, stronger than evil. Love made Christ descend, and love is also the power by which he ascends. The power by which he brings us with him. In union with his love, borne aloft on the wings of love, as persons of love, let us descend with him into the world’s darkness, knowing that in this way we will also rise up with him. On this night, then, let us pray: Lord, show us that love is stronger than hatred, that love is stronger than death. Descend into the darkness and the abyss of our modern age, and take by the hand those who await you. Bring them to the light! In my own dark nights, be with me to bring me forth! Help me, help all of us, to descend with you into the darkness of all those people who are still waiting for you, who out of the depths cry unto you! Help us to bring them your light! Help us to say the “yes” of love, the love that makes us descend with you and, in so doing, also to rise with you. Amen!”. (P.R.) (Agenzia Fides 7/4/2007 - righe 20, parole 299)
