Christ is Risen Alleluia!

We went to mass yesterday, it lasted 2h30 according to my watch, about 15 min to me!
We begin with a fire outside, the priest read a short introduction of the 3 adults that were receiving baptism that night, he was very welcoming. People form different parishes came to light up the yearly candle. Then everyone goes in and lighten up candles, it's the only light in the church (well except for one for the readers and one for the singers).
Inside the celebration begins with the "Economy of Salavation" these are 7 readings and psalms telling the story between God and men from the creation on. Most churches reduce it to 4 readings. It was the case at my parish. I think 4 is plenty because not that many people listen that long anyway, but oh isn't it wonderful? To be reminded of the whole story.. One of the skipped reading is Isaiah 54: 5-14 where God is sadden by the unfaithfulness of his people, like an unfaithful wife, and how he will protect her and restate her in her beauty.
I was so proud because I was asked to do a reading! Ezekiel (36 especially 18 to 28) which completes perfectly the one mentioned above (even if it wasn't read aloud it's in the missals so some people probably read it...What? me naive?)
After the readings of the Old testament is the first high point of Easter:
the lights turn on as we sing the gloria.
Catholic services are said to be boring and desincarnated, but really catholicism is the most sensorial religion I know, well maybe orthodox churches win.. But really it's so moving and symbolic how we go from dark to light, from readings about salvation to REJOICING about it!! :)
After the gloria we have one more reading; St Paul about the baptism, and a psalm, and second high point of the evening: The bells ring! It was 10pm in my church when the bell rang, the priest took a break to listen to them. You could tell he was happy :) I like this priest. And right after the bells we sing the Alleluia, first since the begining of Lent..
Then comes the Gospel, sermon, prayers..
I mean obviously the Gospel is also a high point; but on Easter night I especially enjoy those moments that we have only once a year..
Then came the liturgy of the Baptism for the adults. It was very beautiful but it would be very long to describe step by step.
Then the Eucharist, always a high point ;)
and before I knew it it was over!

I also got to hold Mr L.'s hand all along.. :) Does it count as high point too? ;)

Easter Vigil is my favorite part of Easter. later today( it's early sunday morning for me) we are going to my parents' place to celebrate with a good meal and egg hunt for the kids.. I wish I could share my enthusiasm about the evening with everyone, especially my little god son :) We'll see..