20-04-2025
Parishioners pack local church for Easter Vigil
PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Christians celebrate one of the most important liturgies this weekend.
Worshippers across the globe and right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania packed churches for an Easter Vigil celebration.
Saturday's Easter Vigil celebrates Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead.
Through fire, family, and faith, Saints Peter and Paul Parish put on a traditional service in front of a large Easter weekend crowd.
A fiery glow grew from the center of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Plains Township.
The bonfire beginning the Easter vigil marks 'The Service of Light,' as Jesus Christ conquers death.
'Only the night knows the hour that Christ rose from the dead. One of the main movements during the Easter Vigil is bringing that light into the darkness,' stated Steve Chronowski, parishioner, choir member
The light separated, but not undimmed spreads from the paschal candle to parishioners' taper candles.
Similar to Steve Chronowski, Sandi Harowicz has been a parishioner of this parish for decades.
Both members see this Holy Saturday night liturgical service as a significant one.
'It's like a big climax to the other days that preceded this one. This is like the grand finale type of thing,' explained Sandi Harowicz, parishioner.
Meaningful moments of song, reading and prayer make up the moving mass.
Other faithful parishioners feel most connected to the word of the lord.
'It's just the same story over and over that god loves us so much and when you think about that it is fantastic,' expressed Geri Ulichney, parishioner.
Father Jack Lambert has led this Easter Vigil service for more than a decade.
He says the story of this celebration has stayed true since the beginning of time.
'But there's always something new and that's god's intervention. That's why I find it exciting especially on this night,' stated Father Lambert.
And as darkness turns to light, Ulichney hopes those gathered in her parish practice what is preached after this holiest of weeks.
'I hope people are a lot kinder to each other and care about one another because that is what god wants us to do, love each other like he has loved us,' voiced Ulichney.
Easter Sunday mass will be celebrated Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Parish.
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