The Catholic community gathered at the Cathedral Basilica of San Salvador de Jujuy on April 5 to celebrate the Easter Vigil, marking one of the most significant religious events of the year. The ceremony began after 8 p.m., as dozens assembled in front of the church to witness a symbolic lighting of the Paschal candle in Plaza Belgrano.
The event holds special meaning for participants, representing anticipation for Christ’s resurrection and renewal within the faith. The vigil is often referred to as “the mother night of all vigils,” where light and water play central roles in Christian tradition.
During the ceremony, parish priest Manuel Alfaro addressed attendees: “We have entered in darkness and that light is what illuminates each one of our lives, the life of the Church and that of the whole world.” Reflecting on scripture, Alfaro recalled how an angel announced Jesus’ resurrection to women at his tomb. He said this moment symbolizes triumph over death: “That gesture means something new, that death does not exist for God. God has conquered sin and also death.” Alfaro added that believers should not be overcome by despair or pessimism. “Easter must bring us authentic joy from commitment in faith. It is not a fleeting joy but a deep happiness knowing that God has defeated evil,” he said.
Alfaro also referenced Jesus’ actions toward his apostles following his passion: “Christ does not call them cowards; he says go and tell my brothers. God’s forgiveness can only come from love.” The celebration ended with a call for hope throughout both church and society: living Easter with joy while preparing for Pentecost.
A schedule was released detailing Sunday Mass times across several parishes including services dedicated to children, youth catechism groups, rural communities along Route 35, and music concerts planned by ministry groups.
The broader significance lies in how such ceremonies foster unity among local Catholics while emphasizing themes central to their faith—renewal through light overcoming darkness.
