EASTER VIGIL MASS HELD AT SAINT MARTIN'S DE PORRES CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL, KATSINA DIOCESE
4/4/2026
The Easter Vigil Mass began at exactly 7:00pm with the Service of Light, as the faithful gathered outside around the fire. There was a solemn procession led by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Mathias Abbas Bakoshi, Rev. Fr. Luka Yohanna Magaji, and Rev. Fr. Victor Chibuzor, together with the catechists, lectors, and altar knights.
The fire was blessed, as well as the Paschal Candle, which was later processed into the church by Rev. Fr. Victor Chibuzor. The Exsultet was beautifully chanted by Rev. Fr. Luka Yohanna Magaji.
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
The readings for the night were taken as follows:
First Reading: Genesis 1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16
Second Reading: Exodus 14:15 – 15:1
Responsorial Psalm: Exodus 15
Third Reading: Isaiah 55:1–11
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12
Fourth Reading: Ezekiel 36:16–17, 18–25
After the readings, the Gloria was sung by the congregation as the altar candles were lit from the Paschal Candle and bells were rung.
Fifth Reading: Romans 6:3–11
The Great Alleluia was chanted by His Lordship, and the Gospel was proclaimed by Rev. Fr. Victor Chibuzor, taken from Matthew 28:1–10.
BISHOP’S HOMILY
The Bishop began the homily by singing Alleluia, and the congregation joyfully responded in song. He explained that this night is called the Mother of All Vigils because it was on this night that Jesus Christ transformed the world by rising from the dead, defeating sin and death.
He explained that the Paschal fire signifies the Light of Christ coming into the world, while the candles signify that we are children of light. He reminded the faithful that the first thing God created was light, and everything He created was good. However, as people multiplied, sin also multiplied. God sent prophets to change the people’s ways, but finally He sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, who suffered and died for us and conquered sin and death.
He emphasized that if Christ had not risen from the dead, our faith would be in vain.
He also prayed for the catechumens, asking God to complete the good work He had begun in their lives.
LITURGY OF BAPTISM
Thirteen candidates for the Sacrament of Baptism came forward to the altar with their sponsors. The Litany of the Saints was chanted as the Bishop, priests, and the entire congregation knelt to seek the intercession of the saints for the baptismal candidates. The candidates were then baptized by His Lordship.
The Prayer of the Faithful followed immediately. The Oblata was presented by Pharmacist and Mrs. Patrick Paul Pama. The offertory followed as the choir sang Christ Is Risen, Alleluia.
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Sixteen candidates for First Holy Communion received the Body of Christ from His Lordship, after which the faithful also received Holy Communion while the choir sang Christ Arose and Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.
After the Mass, the catechumens had their first thanksgiving to God and took photographs with His Lordship and the priests.
BISHOP’S CLOSING REMARKS
The Bishop thanked everyone for their sacrifices throughout the Lenten season up to this blessed night and prayed that God would reward everyone. He also thanked the Cathedral Administrator and the pastoral team, lectors, altar knights, Indomitable Choir, wardens, media team, and the catechists for their dedication and service.
He congratulated the catechumens and prayed for safe journeys back home for everyone.
The Holy Mass, which began on Holy Thursday, came to an end with the Bishop’s final blessing at 10:45pm.
CONCLUSION
We are Easter people, and Alleluia is our song.
From the Communications Team of Saint Martin's De Porres Catholic Cathedral, we wish everyone a Happy Easter celebration.
