In these uncertain times regarding the direction of the Catholic Church, we must remember that no shift in papal politics should alter our faith in the New and Eternal Covenant.
This Easter, America’s Catholic Church, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in Washington, DC, held a standing-room only Mass for worshipers to celebrate the holiest day on the Christian calendar, the Easter Vigil.
At 8:00 pm on Saturday, April 19, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception sealed its Holy Doors, as the Service of Light began with over 3500 worshipers celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Inside the pitch-black Great Upper Church, a vast clerical procession lit the magnificently bright Paschal Candle, dispelling the darkness of eternal death.
“On this most sacred night, our Lord Jesus Christ passed over from death to life. Christ, yesterday, and today, the beginning, and the end – all the time belongs to Him, and all the ages. The light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds,” His Eminence, Cardinal Christophe Pierre said.
Next, the ministers transferred the fire of Eternal Life to the faithful – lighting thousands of handheld candles from the great Paschal Candle flame.
Here is an astounding image of the Great Upper Church, once the Holy Assembly became furnished with the sacred fire of Eternal Life.
Watch the indescribably holy Service of Light that begins Easter Vigil Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, here.
Over the span of 2.5 hours, the Easter Vigil proceeded with many sacred, traditional hymns sung only on Easter – punctuated by an uplifting homily, preached by His Eminence, Cardinal Christophe Pierre.
Finally, a Holy Eucharist was received by over 3500 worshipers.
At the conclusion of the Mass, the faithful remained to worship within the 82 chapels dedicated to the blessed virgin Mary inside the Basilica, the largest Catholic church in North America.
After first breaking ground in 1920, the Basilica finally completed its construction in 2017. The Basilica now stands among the ten largest Catholic churches in the world.
Here are TGP’s exclusive images of the breathtaking frescos adorning the ceilings of the Basilica’s Great Upper Church.
We must now pray for an increased return to grace for the Catholic Church globally, while remembering, most essentially, that the teachings of Jesus Christ remain accessible to us in every waking moment.
