On Holy Saturday, Easter, the biggest Christian holiday announcing the resurrection of Jesus, begins with the evening vigil ceremony.
Cardinal Péter Erdő, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, will present the Resurrection Mass at the St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest from six o'clock in the evening. The ceremony, held without the participation of the faithful, will be broadcast live by Apostol TV, the archdiocese and the basilica's Facebook page.
The vigil ceremony consists of four distinct essential parts: the liturgy of light, the liturgy of the Word, the consecration of water and the sacrificial liturgy. This current liturgical order was formed in the 4th century. The ceremony begins with the consecration of the fire, after which the priest lights the Easter candle, the light of which indicates the resurrected Jesus Christ.
"The light of the Easter candle shines into the darkness of the church and at the same time into the darkness of the world to give new hope"
- read in the announcement of the Hungarian Catholic Bishops' Conference (MKPK).
The Liturgy of the Word leads the faithful through the great stages of the history of salvation, then the Glory, the glorification of God, is heard, and "the bells return", calling the faithful to celebrate the victory of Christ. After the holy lesson, the solemn Alleluia expresses the jubilant joy of God's people. The Gospel is the story of Jesus' resurrection.
After the homily and the litany of all saints, the Easter ceremony continues with the consecration of the water of the cross. In Catholic churches, following an ancient tradition, adult converts are usually baptized on the eve of Easter. After that, the Mass continues according to the usual order. The liturgy ends with a festive blessing.
This year, due to the epidemiological regulations, the ceremonies will be simplified, and the traditional Easter procession that closes the Holy Mass will not be held.
MTI
Photo: hrytetvar.net
