Night of Light and New Life at Easter Vigil

The faithful of the Diocese of East Anglia gathered in great numbers on the evening of 4 April 2026 at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist to celebrate the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night, the most sacred liturgy of the Church’s year.

Led by Bishop Peter Collins, the vigil unfolded with solemn beauty, rich symbolism, and profound joy as the Church proclaimed the Resurrection of the Lord. The presence of more than fifty candidates preparing for baptism, reception, and confirmation was a powerful and encouraging sign of the growing life of the Church in the diocese.

The liturgy began in darkness with the Service of Light. The Cathedral, stripped of illumination, created a powerful sense of anticipation. At the rear of the building, a blazing fire was prepared, its flames piercing the night. The Bishop and ministers approached, with Deacon Jonathan carrying the Paschal Candle, the symbol of Christ, the Light of the World. Following the blessing of the fire, the candle was carefully prepared and lit, marking the triumph of light over darkness.

The procession then moved slowly through the Cathedral. Deacon Jonathan, bearing the candle, stopped three times to sing Lumen Christi. With each proclamation, the light spread as candles throughout the congregation were lit, gradually illuminating the vast space.

Upon reaching the sanctuary, Bishop Peter placed incense into the thurible and blessed the cantor before the singing of the Exsultet. The great Easter Proclamation then rang out, announcing the glory of this holy night when Christ broke the chains of death and rose victorious.

The Liturgy of the Word then unfolded, presenting the great sweep of salvation history. The first reading from Genesis (1:1, 26–31a) recalled God’s creation of the world and humanity, affirming the goodness of all that God has made. In the context of the Easter Vigil, this reading reminds the faithful that the Resurrection is a new creation, restoring what was lost through sin.

The second reading from Exodus (14:15–15:1) recounted the crossing of the Red Sea, a powerful image of liberation. Just as the Israelites passed from slavery to freedom, so too does Christ lead humanity from the bondage of sin to the freedom of new life. This passage has long been understood as a foreshadowing of baptism.

The third reading from Ezekiel (36:16–17a, 18–28) spoke of renewal and transformation. “I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.” This prophetic promise finds its fulfilment in the sacraments celebrated during the Vigil, particularly in baptism and confirmation.

The joyful turning point came with the Gloria. As Bishop Peter intoned the hymn, the Cathedral was suddenly filled with light. Bells rang out, the organ resounded in triumphant fanfare, and candles flickered brightly throughout the congregation. This dramatic moment marked the passage from darkness to light, from death to resurrection.

The Epistle (Romans 6:3–11) deepened the connection between baptism and the Resurrection, reminding the faithful that through baptism they are buried with Christ and raised to new life. The Gospel from Matthew (28:1–10) then proclaimed the discovery of the empty tomb and the angel’s message. “He is not here; he has risen.” This is the heart of the Easter proclamation and the foundation of Christian hope.

The Baptismal Liturgy followed, a particularly moving part of the evening. The catechumens were called forward and presented by their godparents before the assembled Church. The Litany of the Saints invoked the intercession of the heavenly Church, uniting earth and heaven in prayer.

The Bishop then blessed the baptismal water, extending his hands in prayer. One by one, the catechumens came forward, renounced sin, professed their faith, and were baptised. Each newly baptised member of the Church was presented with a lighted candle, symbolising the light of Christ now entrusted to them.

The celebration continued with the Reception of candidates into full communion with the Church. These candidates made their profession of faith before being formally received.

The candidates for Confirmation, joined by the newly baptised, stood before the altar as they were presented to the Bishop. Through the anointing with Sacred Chrism, administered by Bishop Peter along with Fr Martin and Fr Peter, each candidate received the gift of the Holy Spirit, sealed as a witness to Christ.

After these sacraments, the entire congregation stood holding candles for the Renewal of Baptismal Promises. In a powerful communal act, all present reaffirmed their faith. Bishop Peter then processed through the Cathedral, sprinkling the faithful with newly blessed holy water as the choir sang, underscoring the joy and unity of the moment.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist followed, bringing the Vigil to its culmination in the celebration of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection made present on the altar. The liturgy concluded with a solemn blessing and dismissal, sending the faithful forth to proclaim the joy of Easter.

The presence of such a large number of candidates entering into full communion with the Church made this year’s Easter Vigil especially joyful and significant. It stands as a powerful sign of the vitality and growth of the Church in the Diocese of East Anglia, a testament to the enduring call of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing people to Christ.

In this most holy night, darkness gave way to light, silence to song, and death to life. The Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist was a profound witness to the Resurrection, an encounter with the living Christ who continues to renew His Church and His people.

Photographs from the Vigil can be viewed here.

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