Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley inscribes and blesses the Paschal Candle during the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross April 23. Cardinal O'Malley inserts one of five pins, which symbolize the five wounds of Christ. The Easter Vigil begins with a Service of Light, which includes the blessing of the Easter fire and the Paschal Candle. Deacon Pat Guerrini (left) is holding the candle. Pilot photo/Jim Lockwood
Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley marked the Easter Triduum this year with services at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The Triduum consists of Holy Thursday, when Christ instituted the Eucharist, Good Friday, the day Christians mark Jesus' crucifixion and death for the sins of the world and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, where the Church celebrates Christ's resurrection from the dead. The Easter Vigil service is held on the final night of the Easter Triduum. The service includes the blessing of the Easter fire and lighting of the Paschal Candle and the Liturgy of the Word, which includes readings from the Old Testament highlighting salvation history, the first chanting of the Alleluia since the beginning of Lent and the Easter Gospel. Following the Liturgy of the Word, catechumens and candidates are fully received into the Church through reception of the Sacraments of baptism, the Eucharist and confirmation. This year, two people were baptized at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and five received confirmation.