On this sacred night of the Easter Vigil, led by Fr. Danilo Carido, OSA, the Catholic faithful gather not merely to recall an event, but to celebrate a victory—the triumph of Christ over sin and death.

From the darkness of the church to the lighting of the Paschal Candle, we are drawn into a powerful sign: that no darkness can overcome the light of the Risen Lord.

The long journey of salvation history, proclaimed through the readings, leads us to this moment of fulfillment, where God’s promises are brought to completion in the Resurrection.

What once seemed like defeat on the Cross is now revealed as victory; what once stirred fear is now transformed into hope.

Yet even in the light of the Resurrection, we are confronted with a familiar truth: we still carry fear—fear of suffering, of uncertainty, of death itself. But the Risen Christ speaks into these fears, assuring us that He has already conquered them.

If Christ has overcome death, what then should we fear?

As we receive the light from the Paschal Candle, we are not only witnesses—we are sent. This light is not meant to be kept, but to be shared. In our daily lives, we are called to carry Christ’s light into a world still shadowed by darkness.

During the celebration, the faithful renewed their baptismal promises, renouncing the power of evil and the influence of Satan.

This Easter Season, may we move from fear to faith, from darkness to light, and from death to new life.

For Christ is risen—He is truly risen. Alleluia! Alleluia! / Kayla Niña Espinosa (UP Cebu Intern)