I Attended The Pope’s Easter Vigil

But I didn’t stay to find out what happened in the end

Photo by Ch P on Unsplash

I’m not a Roman Catholic or any sort of Christian, but I was drawn into the pomp and ceremony of the Easter Vigil Mass in St Peter’s Basilica.

If you think this is a little weird, let me explain by saying I’m not a Royalist but love watching their ceremonies — actually any Royal ceremony. Here’s a description of the Vigil Service from ABC News which is why I was watching the service on television.

Pope Francis presided over the Vatican’s somber Easter Vigil service on Saturday night, delivering a 10-minute homily and baptizing eight people, a day after suddenly skipping the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum as a health precaution.

Francis entered the darkened, silent St. Peter’s Basilica in his wheelchair, took his place in a chair and offered an opening prayer. Sounding somewhat congested and out of breath, he blessed an elaborately decorated Easter candle, the flame of which was then shared with other candles until the whole basilica twinkled.

Over an hour later, Francis delivered a 10-minute homily in a strong voice, clearing his throat occasionally.

The evening service, one of the most solemn and important moments in the Catholic liturgical calendar…