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HOLY SATURDAY- THE EASTER VIGIL..

Privileged Feria. Double First Class.     Station : St. John Lateran      Purple & White.

The liturgy for the Vigil of Easter in its newly restored form, is also a return to a very ancient
custom. Its theme is the power and glory of Christ's resurrection.

The vigil service is divided up into four sections. It is attractive especially for two reasons :
because the laity are given a greater part to share in, and because of the greater clarity of the
symbolism.

During the Service of this sacred vigil, the priest first blesses the new fire, followed by the
blessing of the paschal candle. The procession and paschal proclamation are restored to their
ancient rite. The Lessons have been reduced to four. Before the blessing of the baptismal water,
the choir sings part of the litany of the saints; the second part of the litany will be sung after
the renewal of baptismal promises. At the end of the litany, the solemn Paschal Vigil Mass
takes place.

The Blessing of the New Fire.

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray. O God, Who through Thy Son, the cornerstone, hast bestowed on the faithful the fire
of Thy brightness : sanctify this new fire, produced from a