![]() Then he makes the Greek letter Alpha above the cross, the letter Omega below it, and the four numerals of the current year between the arms of the cross, saying the words indicated. The celebrant cuts a cross into the candle with a stylus. The candle is then prepared in rites which are no longer optional. Choice of size, design, and color should be made in relationship to the sanctuary in which it will be placed . . " (Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Circular Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts, no 82). 94 of Built of Living Stones which reminds us that the Paschal Candle is the symbol of the "light of Christ, rising in glory," scattering the "darkness of our hearts and minds." "Above all, the Paschal Candle should be a genuine candle, the pre-eminent symbol of the light of Christ. This candle should be made of wax, never be artificial, be renewed each year, be only one in number, and be of sufficiently large size that it may convey the truth that Christ is the light of the world. As the celebrant blesses the fire he says the prayer with hands outstretched (EV, no. After this new beginning, he greets the people and then gives the instruction (EV, no. Having reached the fire, the celebrant and faithful sign themselves with the sign of the cross while the priest says: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (EV, no. The Missale also states that cross and candles are not to be carried in this procession (EV, no. The rubrics, however, acknowledge that when this cannot be done adaptations may be made. ![]() Thus do the beauty of the fire, its warmth and its light, draw the liturgical assembly together. In a suitable place outside the Church, a "blazing fire" ( rogus ardens) is to be prepared so that the people may gather around it and experience the flames dispelling the darkness and lighting up the night. The Elements and Parts of the Easter Vigil The Service of Light The role of the deacon assisting the priest is highlighted in the new Missale, although it is noted that in his absence his duties may be exercised by the priest celebrant himself or by a concelebrant (EV, no. The celebration of the Easter Vigil takes the place of the Office of Readings (EV, no. It is not begun before nightfall 1 and should end before daybreak on Easter Sunday. The Vigil, by its very nature, "ought to take place at night" (EV, no. Therefore, the Easter Vigil does not correspond to the usual Saturday evening Mass and its character is unique in the cycle of the liturgical year. It is the turning point of the Triduum, the Passover of the new covenant, which marks Christ's passage from death to life. On this holy night, the Church keeps watch, celebrating the resurrection of Christ in the sacraments and awaiting his return in glory. The rubrics of the Missale Romanum remind us that this "mother of all vigils" is the "greatest and most noble of all solemnities and it is to be unique in every single Church" ( Missale Romanum, "Rubrics for the Easter Vigil" (EV), no.2). The rubrics for Holy Saturday found in the Missale Romanum, editio typica tertia address several matters which will be helpful to those involved in the preparation of the celebration of the Easter Vigil.
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