Holy Week and Easter 2012 in St Patrick’s Cathedral

At St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta, eight elect and four candidates were received into the Catholic Church at this year’s Easter Vigil. Photography by Alphonsus Fok & Grace Lu.

By Sr Susan Ward RSJ, Catholic Outlook, May 2012

The Easter Vigil on 7 April 2012 will be firmly fixed in the hearts and minds of elect and candidates of St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish in Parramatta.

The Cathedral community was blessed to celebrate the Easter Vigil with Bishop Anthony Fisher OP presiding. We began with the lighting of the new Easter fire. The thrice intoned versicle, “Light of Christ”, led us forward as the lights of the people filled the Cathedral space. Behind the Easter candle walked eight elect and four candidates

Nitesh: “To walk through the water of the baptism pool, to hear the words of Baptism as Bishop Anthony drenched me with water was an unbelievably wonderful moment in my life. I left the pool in my wet black clothing and returned a short time later in my baptismal clothing. 

“What followed with the giving of the light of Christ and the procession back into the Cathedral for Confirmation and later the first reception of Holy Communion is something that I will never forget.” 

Jessica: “When I was unwell and unable to join the group I found a huge vacuum in my life – something was missing in my week and I felt an emptiness about my life.

“My Baptism was the fulfilment of a dream. I now have a deep sense of being united with God through being Catholic and I hope to lead my little girl to a deeper unity with our God.”

Sanjit and Nimisha have been part of the group too. Nimisha spoke of her experience of the Vigil: “This was the night of all nights; the Easter Vigil was overwhelming. With Bishop Anthony as the celebrant and the priests of our parish assisting, I was inspired by the prayers and overcome with peace and tranquillity.  I am now a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church. My heart is full of joy.”

David a candidate says: “I was raised an Anglican. I drifted away from a practical living of my faith and did nothing at all with religion. My travels, particularly in Africa, helped me see that there was more in the world. I think that God may have also been looking for me.

“Last year I decided I wanted to become a Catholic – to come back to a life of faith and be a part of the Universal Church. I had a sense that: ‘So, the cross is always ready and waits for you everywhere. You cannot escape it no matter where you run, for wherever you go you are burdened with yourself. Wherever you go, there you are.’ (Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ)

“Coming to St Patrick’s Cathedral over the past year and being part of the RCIA process I saw that the world is here. Our RCIA group – catechumens, candidates and sponsors – included those who, like me, were born in Australia, but also those who have come from many lands. Now that I have been received into the Catholic Church I know that my journey has not ended but is starting afresh.”

To view the photo gallery from the Chrism Mass click here

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