The Great Vigil of Easter begins in total darkness. A new fire and the Paschal (Easter) Candle is lit. In the growing light we hear the great proclamation of Easter (the Exultet), we celebrate the sacrament of baptism and renew our baptismal vows, and then celebrate the first mass of Easter. There is no other liturgy of the Church’s year which more fully expresses the mystery of our redemption through Christ’s death and resurrection.