le="text-align: justify;">The Vigil, by its very nature, ought to take place at night. It is not begun before nightfall and should end before daybreak on Easter Sunday. The celebration of the Easter Vigil at Ta' Pinu National Shrine started at 8.30pm and was officiated by Mgr. Bishop Emeritus Nicholas G. Cauchi. It is a nocturnal vigil , retaining its ancient character of vigilance and expectation, as the Christian people await the resurrection of the Lord during the night. Fire is blessed and the paschal candle is lit to illumine the night so that all may hear the Easter proclamation and listen to the word of God in the Scriptures.
2009
le="text-align: justify;"> The ‘Exultet' was sung by Fr. Eddie Vella. Then the Liturgy of the Word started and included seven readings. The faithful were encouraged to meditate on the readings and sing the responsorial psalms. The congregation was led by Maria Attard . After the intonation of the Gloria by the Celebrant, the organist played an introductory fanfare and intricate accompaniment to a familiar congregational setting that heightens the drama of this moment in the liturgy. The ‘Gloria' by Oltrasi was joyfully sung by the Schola Cantorum, and the mass continued as usual. As part of the penitential rite, Mgr. Cauchi sprinkled the new blessed water on the congregation and the choir sang ‘Vidi aquam' (Frisina). Then the Schola performed: ‘L-Ikel tal-Ħajja' (Holst) during the offerings, ‘Sanctus' (Oltrasi), ‘Il-Mulej qam mill-Imwiet' (Portelli), ‘Pater Noster' (Gregorian Chant), ‘Agnus Dei' (Oltrasi). ‘Io Sono Risorto' by Mgr. Liberto who is the actual Director of the Male Choir of the Cappella Sistina and ‘Ir-Rghaj u s-Sid Tieghi' were sung during the communion. The ceremony ended with the ‘Jubilate Deo' (Mozart). Jean Noel Attard accompanied the choir on the church organ. After the ceremony, the choir members were invited by the Rector of the Sanctuary, Rev. Gerard Buhagiar for a dinner.
