Pope Francis livestreamed Easter Mass on Youtube on Sunday, April 5, 2015. Easter Mass, commonly known as the Easter Vigil is a Catholic church celebration of the Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Mass will be sub-divided into four parts: Service of Light, Liturgy of the Word, Christian Initiation and Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and Holy Eucharist.
The Vatican has a Youtube channel, so Catholics can watch Pope Francis live on Easter Sunday. The Mass began streaming at 1:15 a.m. in Vatican City. In Los Angeles, the streaming began at around 4 p.m.
Service of Light is a religious ritual that symbolizes Jesus as the light of the world. A candle called the Paschal candle is passed throughout the entire cathedral by a deacon who sings “The Light of Christ.” The congregation sings “Thanks be to God.” All the while, the congregation holds an unlit candle until it is lit by the Paschal candle. Afterwards, a deacon usually sings a song about mankind’s sin, God’s mercy, Jesus’ redemption of sin and thanksgiving to the Trinity. This song is called “The Easter proclamation.”
Liturgy of the Word is the reading of the Bible. It includes seven passages from the Old Testament and two passages from the New Testament. The reading begins with the creation story found in Genesis chapter one. It ends with the reading of the Gospels. There will be singing of “The Gloria” and “The Alleluia.”
Christian Initiation and Renewal of Baptismal Vows are when water is blessed for new church members to be baptized. At this time, other Catholics can renew their former baptismal vows. Liturgy of Eucharist begins with the uttering of the Eucharist Prayer. Attendees join a table symbolic of Jesus’ Last Supper with his twelve disciples. Bread and wine represent the body of Jesus Christ.
