Communities all over the world gathered in darkness. In that darkness, a fire was lit and that flame was shared around until candle lights filled the church. Our parish priest, Fr. Reu, for his part, lighted a new Easter candle. Acting in the persona of Christ, he carried the newly lit paschal candle and brought the light of Christ. It is Jesus Christ alone who dispels the darkness of our lives. He is the source of love, light and goodness in our lives. A song of exultation was then sung proclaiming that Christ is the light. There in the light of Christ we read the story of salvation how God rescued us from the power of sin and death. The God who created us, who led a chosen people out of slavery raised Jesus from death. Alleluia! He is Risen!We rejoice! The church bells rung as mighty drums rolled to proclaim the glory of the Resurrection.
The Easter vigil celebration in Santuario de San Antonio was truly awesome. It conveyed a message of joy, love, hope and gratitude in the context of God’s mercy and compassion. The music lovingly selected by our choirmaster, Amelita Guevara, added more depth and solemnity to the celebration. Father Reu, not to be outdone, had his share of shining moments. His initiative to bring in new members to our church, the body of Christ, through the liturgy of the word and the liturgy of baptism elicited gratitude from parishioners.
My congratulations to the parish pastoral council and all the ministries and other volunteers involved in staging such a celebration. The festivities would not have been possible in a manner worthy of the greatest feast of our faith were it not for hard work, dedication and support. The experience of the Resurrection left in us a feeling of gratitude for God’s unconditional love, caring, mercy and compassion.
We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song. Let us now sing Alleluia in this life so that we can sing it one day with gratitude and love in the life to come.
Santuario de San Antonio Parish 