After 2 years of preparation, eight young people from our community received the Sacrament of Baptism. The last days of their prpearation were especially intensive for all of us. Our young people had retreat during Holy Week–Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Besides the spiritual side, we needed to purchase new clothes and prepare their birth certificates, as well as getting their godparents’ information settled and finalized. It was a busy time, but a holy time.

The Paschal Vigil, was a great event for all of us. The celebration lasted for 6 hours. All were dressed in new clothes and ready for the holy water, oil and new candle. As the new fire was blessed, it lit the darkness. We processed with our candles lit with the newly-blest fire and listened to the Exultet, that proclaimed JESUS IS RISEN and is in our midst. We all sat attentively under the newly-blest paschal candle and listened to our salvation history proclaimed. After the Gospel and homily came the moment we had been preparing for–the sacrament of Baptism. More than 20 people were baptized and welcomed into the Church. It was a glorious moment of faith. They were all drenched in the newly-blest water, and so were we! We also had the privilege to be Eucharistic ministers for the celebration.

On Easter Sunday, we rose singing Jesus is Risen, He is truly risen. Jezi leve byen vivan!  In the afternoon, we had a big feast for the newly-baptized, their godparents and families. Alleluia!