The whole patio and church of Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu (DSPNSDA) is filled with darkness as the Paschal Vigil starts wherein many devotees participated; this celebration is presided by Rev. Fr. Lopito “Bembol” Hiteroza. The Paschal Vigil also known as Easter Vigil which marks the beginning of Easter. It is divided into four parts:
1. Service of Light
“Then God said, let there be light and there was light.” – Genesis 1:3
In this celebration, light portrays a vital role. As the rites start, the whole church was filled with darkness and only the fire has its light where the paschal candle will be lighted from. From the Easter candle, the candle of every people was lighted and spread through other people until the church is filled with light. The paschal candle symbolizes Christ who gives light though out the world. This just prove that there’s always a light after the darkness.
2. Liturgy of the Word
“But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the word of God.” – Matthew 4:4
In this part of the celebration, readings from the book of Genesis to the gospels were read. This is to give highlights to the God’s work from creation to Christ’s resurrection. From this reading, everyone may meditate and reflect for a while. In the homily Fr. Bembol, he asked the parishioners to blow their hands into two different ways, one emitting hot air and the other way, emitting colder air. He asked, how is it possible that we felt a a hot and colder air when it both came from a same source? He then said that this symbolizes the mystery of life.
He also shared to the parishioners he had a mild heart attack when he passed out while giving a sermon. He prayed that God would help him because he is still young and has many things to do in life. “Have you experience situation like this?” Have you ever experienced resurrection-like situation? Our faith towards Jesus is nothing if we won’t believe that he is risen.
3. Liturgy of Baptism
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” – Galatians 3:7
Easter water is blessed during this time. In this part of the ceremony, new member from other religions are being welcomed in Catholicism. The water that the priest blessed is used to baptize the new members of the religion.
4. Liturgy of the Eucharist
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lords death till He comes.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26
The whole church is called to join at the sacrificial table that Christ has prepared for us through his death and resurrection.
As what Fr. Bembol’s chant said in his homily, “Ha Ha Halleluia and Praise Praise Praise the Lord,” rejoice for Jesus has Risen! (Lester de Castro)
