It's The Great Easter Vigil, Charlie Brown

Lately, I have been exploring my Catholic roots. What better place to have a Catholic revival than Santa Clara University, where the Mission Santa Clara de Asís looms large. So, this Easter, as a sort of research project, I decided to attend the Great Easter Vigil—yes, that is actually what it’s called. 

The mass started at 8 p.m. on the night before Easter, and I had done a little Google searching about what to expect from the service. Shoutout “r/Catholicism.” I was informed the mass could be from two and a half to four hours. Wow. Having nothing else going on this Saturday night, I decided to go for it.

I had entered the Mission and found a seat when a woman whispered to me, “Did you get a candle?” She pointed me in the direction, and I collected a long taper, which made me eager for the mass—never had I been able to hold a candle in church before. We were instructed to step outside in a large circle around a large fire out front. The fire was blessed and spread to each of us, one candle at a time, until all held a light in their hands—a lit candle. 

We then entered back into the church in darkness, with only the small pockets of fire lighting the way. I was really struck by the reverence of the service. This was, of course, a vigil. 

A vigil, in the Catholic tradition, is a time of preparation for a coming feast. In this case, mass-goers await the rising of Jesus in the Resurrection. After more prayers and blessings, we were instructed to blow out our candles—but the lights did not come on. The readings transpired in darkness, and there were many of them. 

A traditional mass has only two readings and one sung psalm before the Gospel reading. This vigil had four Old Testament readings to continue the night, and a psalm and prayer to follow each. This part of the vigil is intended to be meditative. The absence of light allows the congregation to listen to these readings in comfortable darkness; in this environment, a quiet peace rested over the church.

And then, suddenly, all was light and loud. The singing of “Gloria” and the lighting of all the candles—and the overhead beams—illuminated the Mission. Many voices and instruments—including the ever-rare organ—filled the Church and started the celebration of the Resurrection. I’m not a singer, but the service was loud and joyous enough that I thought why not—surely no one could hear me.  

Following the Gospel and Homily, the initiation aspect of the evening began. I’ve seen some baptisms in my life, of course, but I had never seen a Confirmation event. The gathered people joined in applause for the new members of the Church, and the crowd was joyful to see people find their place in the religion.

The evening finished with more song and celebration—Easter is the most important religious holiday for Catholics, as the Resurrection of the Christ defines the Christian Faith. As I walked out of the Mission almost two-and-a-half hours later, I felt happy to be a part of such an important and ancient tradition and to share some smiles with fellow Broncos.