Easter Vigil at the Cathedral a glorious celebration of the resurrection
Bishop James Ruggieri celebrated his first Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception since his installation at the 13th bishop of the Diocese of Portland. The vibrant and hope-filled Mass commemorated the Resurrection of Jesus and also welcomed three catechumens into the Catholic faith with the sacraments of baptism, First Holy Communion and confirmation.
The congregation first gathered outside where Bishop Ruggieri blessed a fire before all processed into the cathedral, led by Deacon Erin Donlon carrying the Paschal candle. Deacon Donlon will be ordained to the priesthood on May 31. Once inside all in the congregation passed the flame to one another.
The vibrancy of the parish was evident with readings in French, Spanish and English and a canticle sung in French before Luke's Gospel and Bishop Ruggieri's homily.
In speaking of the catechumens present, Bishop Ruggieri said, "I was privileged to have had the opportunity to recently listen to their conversion stories and their journeys to the Church. Each story I heard was unique in both detail and timing. However, one similarity I heard in the stories was the importance of the other people in the lives of our elect...God strategically put other people in their lives."
He continued, "Each individual catches the fire of belief from one another and is graft into the body of Christ. The importance is not found in the masses, but in the intensity of the flame as the apostles understood. My dear brothers and sisters, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, one soul at a time, says that each soul before me matters."
Following the homily, the catechumens were called forward to process to the baptismal font during the Litany of Saints. Bishop Ruggieri then baptized each with their sponsors by their sides. The three then came forth for the sacrament of confirmation.
All in the congregation renewed their baptismal promises and were sprinkled with holy water by Bishop Ruggieri and Fr. Seamus Griesbach, rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
The Vietnamese choir sang the offertory hymn and performed a traditional dance. Singing in Polish and French punctuated the eucharistic celebration.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Ruggieri thanked all those who made Holy Week at the cathedral magnificent, including Fr. Seamus Griesbach and staff, the Cathedral choir led by Dr. Bridgette Wargovich, Fr. Brad Morin who served as master of ceremonies, and many others.
