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The Easter Celebrations at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Abudhabi.

Abu Dhabi, March 27, 2016: The Easter Vigil liturgy is the most beautiful liturgy in the Roman Catholic Church. This walks through the Easter Vigil, and includes the words to the Exsultet.

Although celebrated Holy Saturday evening, it is the dramatic Easter vigil liturgy that marks the beginning of Easter. We are awaiting our master’s return with our lamps full and burning, so that he will find us awake and seat us at his table (cf. Luke 12:35ff). The two Solemn Celebrations of Easter Vigil headed by Bishop Paul Hinder began at 7 and 10 pm.

The vigil is divided into four parts: Service of Light, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of Baptism, and Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The atmosphere in the church was different: the holy water fonts were drained, all the lights were out, the tabernacle was empty. The service began outdoors. A new fire was lit and blessed. Bishop Paul began the service with the prayer and lit the Paschal Candle from the new fire.  The candle was then processed through the church, with the deacon lifting the candle at three different times, singing: “Lumen Christi” (The Light of Christ) and the choir sang in reply: Deo gratias (Thanks be to God). Everyone lit their candle from the Easter candle until the whole compound was alight.

During the Easter vigil, readings were provided: from Old Testament and New Testament. These readings helped all to meditate on the wonderful works of God for his people since the beginning of time.   Prior to reading the Gospel, the bishop began “The Gloria” which wasn’t sung throughout the Lent.  Preaching the homily, Deacon explained the mystery of Easter in his own impeccable simple way.

This was followed by blessing of the font containing the water to be used for Baptism.  Fr. Jonson, Parish Priest wished the parishioners on behalf of the Bishop, all the priests and sisters.  He also thanked all the parishioners who served in various ministries throughout of the holy week and the Easter Triduum.

On Easter Sunday, 19 Masses were celebrated both in the Church and outdoors in various languages.  In spite of the  ongoing construction work outside the church compound, the disciplinary and patient conduct of the parishioners was the striking point during all the services held through the week.  Although parishioners were seen walking to and from their vehicles parked far from the Church compound, the spirit of Easter was in evidence on their faces as if to say:

The fasts are done; the Aves said;

The moon has filled her horn
And in the solemn night I watch
Before the Easter morn.
So pure, so still the starry heaven,
So hushed the brooding air,
I could hear the sweep of an angel’s wings, If one should earthward fare.