Westminster: Cardinal Vincent shares message of hope at Easter Vigil

At the Mass of the Easter Vigil last night, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, reflected on the meaning of the Paschal Fire, describing it as 'the fire of the Holy Spirit through which Creation took shape.'

The Cardinal went on to say, 'from that original fire has come a single light, inextinguishable even by death, a light that has spread among us, from one to another, filling this place, becoming the Church. The light is Christ risen from the dead, a light that conquers darkness.'

'By this light we live fully each day having a hope for the future that is sure and certain. As the sun rises each day, so the Son of God rises in our hearts, and by his light, we live that day and see everything around it. A favourite saying of my mother's was "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad."'

The Cardinal invited people to take hold of the light, just as they grasped the candle in their hands; to receive the hope proclaimed in the resurrection of Christ; and to seize the day, shaping it by following Christ in all we do and say.

He also went on to welcome those that were to be baptised and received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. The Easter Vigil began with the Cardinal entering the darkened Cathedral with the light of the Paschal candle, whose flame was shared with everyone in the Cathedral to spread light across the church, symbolising the light Christ brings in by his resurrection after the darkness of the crucifixion.

After his homily the Cardinal also baptised and confirmed adults of the Cathedral parish who are becoming Catholics. Across the Diocese of Westminster 233 people were baptised, 190 people made their confirmation and 161 people were received at Easter services into full communion with the Catholic Church.

A transcript of the Cardinal's homily will be available shortly at http://rcdow.org.uk/cardinal/homilies/