By Katie Vasquez
The most important liturgy of the Catholic Church, starts with a single flame, a fire that in time lights dozens of individual candles within the Co-Cathedral of St Joseph.
The paschal candle flame is a symbol of Christ as the light of the world, and Bishop Robert Brennan says the world is united at the Easter vigil.
“The night above all the other nights where the church is keeping vigil all around the world, and this year, the east and the west come together. The western church, the Roman Catholic church, the Orthodox church. We’re all celebrating Easter together,” said Bishop Brennan.
The Brooklyn shepherd leads the people’s prayers in darkness, as the Prospect Heights church mourns the death of christ.
Then with the sounds of bells, the lights of the church turn on, signaling a moment millions have been waiting for, Jesus’ resurrection.
“So you can imagine the whole Christian world is keeping vigil, watching for the resurrection of the lord and so, that in itself is a glorious thing,” said Bishop Brennan.
The vigil is also a culmination of a faith journey, as catechumens were baptized and received their sacraments at the mass.
Bishop Brennan baptized five and confirmed five at the Co-Cathedral but almost 700 people joined the church across the Diocese of Brooklyn.
“We have some parishes that will be 40, 50, 60. there’s one, I believe it’s 70 people coming into the church,” said Bishop Brennan.
Newly baptized David Flowers once considered himself an atheist but after reading books particularly by the Holy Father, he found God.
“As I came to know and understand Jesus Christ more in the warmth and comfort he can give to how he can forgive us. I wanted to be baptized into this church so I could be closer to him,” said Flowers.
Max Racine, who was confirmed, has always felt touched by God. He finally decided to fully join the church to express his gratitude.
“I feel like I’m just constantly receiving things that I don’t deserve. So i wanted to put a little bit more of devotion and focus into that in my life,” said Racine.
Bishop Brennan says it is heartwarming to see people still yearning to have Christ in their life.
“It’s always good to see people making a conscious decision to put their faith to say, yes, i really believe this. Yes, I really want to be part of this,” said Bishop Brennan.
Now, the diocese of Brooklyn celebrates Christ’s resurrection together, stronger in numbers and in faith.