Preparations for the Easter Vigil: the baptismal fontReception hallThe liturgy begins outside the church with the Easter fire.The procession into the church pauses three times, as the three candles are progressively lit. As each candle is lit, the deacon proclaims “Lumen Christi,” to which all respond, “Deo gratias.”The solemn chant of the Exultet is sung by the deacon.The Paschal Candle is litAfter the candle is lit, the Exultet continues.The prophecies are interspersed with tracts sung by the sisters.The liturgy continues with the blessing of the baptismal font.The ministers prostrate themselves as the Litany of the Saints is sung.During the Gloria, the statues and images that have been covered in violet are revealed.The elevation of the HostEcce Agnus DeiAfter Mass, the sisters share the joy of Easter with the faithful by having the “colomba pascuale”, a traditional italian bread in the shape of a dove.The sisters receive gifts of chocolateSolemn Laudes on Easter SundayAltar Missal for Holy MassEaster blessing of eggs and breadChanting the prayer before meals for the Easter OctaveCoffee and chocolate in the cloister garden.Solemn VespersBenediction of the Blessed SacramentA closer view of the Paschal candle, painted by one of our novices
