Goa, April 19 -- Br Malvino Alfonso

Easter proclaims that Christ is risen, that life triumphs over death, hope over despair, and light over darkness. But Easter isn't just about something that happened 2,000 years ago. It's also about what continues to happen in our world, in our communities, and in our hearts today.

The historical and liturgical roots

The Easter celebration begins on Holy Saturday night with the Easter Vigil, often called the "mother of all vigils." Rich in symbolism, the liturgy begins after nightfall with the blessing of fire and the lighting of the Paschal (Easter) Candle, symbolizing Christ as the light that shatters the darkness. A procession leads the congregation into the church, now illuminated by this one fla...