Easter Vigil
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March 31, 2016
BEACON PHOTO | JOE GIGLIHOLY SATURDAY Bishop Serratelli prays as he blesses the New Fire from which the Paschal Candle will be lit as he presides at the Easter Vigil Mass at the Bishop Rodimer Center adjacent to the Cathedral of St. John in Paterson on Holy Saturday, March 26.Bishop presides at Easter Vigil at Cathedral of St. John the Baptist’s Rodimer CenterPATERSON Bishop Serratelli presided at the Easter Vigil Mass at the Bishop Rodimer Center adjacent to the Cathedral of St. John here on Holy Saturday, March 26.
The Easter Vigil began with the Light Service, which began outdoors with lighting of the Easter fire and the Paschal Candle. The Paschal Candle was carried into the darkened center as a symbol of the Light of Christ, a powerful reminder that Jesus is light in the darkness. Individual candles were lit from the Paschal Candle and by the time the procession reached the altar, the center was bathed in candlelight. After the baptismal water is blessed, the candidates and catechumens receive the sacraments of initiation from the Bishop and the congregation renewed their baptismal vows.
