PALM SUNDAY

24th March 2024

Traditionally
Bishop John celebrates
the Chrism Mass
on Wednesday in Holy Week
in St. Mirin's Cathedral
at 7pm.

SOLEMN LITURGY OF
THE EASTER VIGIL

All day on Holy Saturday the Church is silent. It waits in prayerful expectation, reflecting on the love of God, confident of the triumph of his love over pain, suffering and death. At the Easter Vigil we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. We share in a special way in the glory of the Risen Christ. The liturgy for this night has four parts.
 
Part 1
Part one is the Service of Light – new fire is kindled and blessed. From the fire comes the light for the Easter Candle, symbolising Christ who dispels the darkness of the night. This Candle is placed high on the sanctuary and the joyful song of the Easter Proclamation (Exsultet) is sung, as we rejoice in all that this light symbolises for us and for our world  in the new life of Christ.
 
Part 2
Part two is the Liturgy of the Word—the story of our salvation as told once more. We relive the story. As we listen to the Old Testament narrative our trust in the promise of redemption and hope for men and women is rekindled.
 
Part 3
Part three is the Liturgy of Baptism—through our baptism we share in the risen life of Christ and are called to share his work of redeeming the world. We recall our own baptism. We renew our own baptismal promises and reflect on their significance for us.    

Part 4
Part four is the Liturgy of the Eucharist—through which we are fully united with Christ and are nurtured for our journey until we are one with him in our resurrection. This is the night of all nights to give thanks and praise to our heavenly Father.