Holy Saturday is a special day for Christians, observed in silence and watchful prayer.
Holy Saturday, a Day of Silence as We Keep Watch at Jesus' Tomb and Await His Resurrection
It is a day when the Christian community remains silent. The bells do not ring, the altar is bare, and the tabernacle stands open and empty.
Alongside the mourning of Catholics, the Church also remembers the solitude of Mary after the body of Jesus was carried to the tomb, when she remained accompanied only by the Apostle John.
Although it may appear to be an empty day with little Christian activity beyond mourning, it is profoundly important. Jesus lies in the tomb and has descended to the realm of the dead. In the depths of this silence, we wait with longing and restrained joy for his Resurrection.
The Easter Vigil
The Holy Saturday celebration takes place at night. Following tradition, the faithful keep their lamps burning as they await Christ's return, ready for him to find them watchful and seat them at his table.
How Is the Easter Vigil Celebrated?
The Service of Light
The fire is blessed and the Paschal candle is prepared. A cross is traced on it, the Greek letter Alpha is marked above the cross and Omega below it, and the numerals of the current year are added. The Easter Proclamation, or Exsultet, is then announced.
Liturgy of the Word
We place our trust in the Word and promise of the Lord.
Baptismal Liturgy
The catechumens receive Baptism, and the faithful renew their baptismal promises.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
As the hour of Jesus Christ's Resurrection draws near, the Church is invited to the Eucharistic banquet prepared by the Lord through his Death and Resurrection.
The Vigil is celebrated during the night. It must not begin before nightfall and must end before dawn on Sunday.
Although this Mass may take place before midnight, it belongs to Easter Sunday, the Sunday of the Resurrection.