Hundreds of Catholic members gathered at the Nazareth Apostolic Centre (NAC) in Tenaru, central Guadalcanal, to celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday night.
The event commenced at 8pm was attended by NAC students, seminarians, and members of the local community, all united in faith as they marked this significant occasion.
The Easter Vigil Mass, which includes the profound “Liturgy of the Fire,” is a hallmark of Catholic tradition, symbolising the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It marks the transition from the solemn darkness of the Paschal Triduum to the joyous dawn of Easter Sunday.
The liturgy began outside the church, where a new fire was kindled—a powerful symbol of Christ’s light in the world.
Fr. Nickson Donald Rector of NAC led the mass, blessing the fire before lighting the Paschal candle, which serves as a profound symbol of Christ’s presence.
The Vigil is an intricate celebration encompassing a Service of Light, a Liturgy of the Word, and the Blessing of Water, as well as the reception of sacraments by candidates welcomed into full communion with the Church.
As the congregation proceeded into the church under the cover of darkness they carried the Paschal candle and paused three times to chant “Lumen Christi” (“Light of Christ”), to which the congregation joyously responded, “Thanks be to God.”
The candle, representing Christ as the Light of the World, was then placed on the altar, accompanied by the joyful proclamation of the Exulted, celebrating the glory of Christ’s resurrection.

The Liturgy of the Word followed, encompassing seven readings from the Old Testament, interspersed with psalms and canticles, further emphasizing the themes of hope and redemption.
The darkness within the church symbolized death and sin, while the light from the new fire and the Paschal candle illuminated the path to new beginnings—a renewal of hope and faith in the resurrection of Christ.
This year, several candidates were baptized and received sacraments during the Vigil, marking a significant moment in their spiritual journeys as they were welcomed into the fold of the Church.
Saturday’s night the Easter Vigil Mass concluded with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, where the faithful received communion, celebrating the body and blood of Christ
By Jimmy Nolan
Solomon Star Honiara