He is Risen, Alleluia! (Happy Easter!)
Born in a Catholic family, Easter vigil has been a part of my life forever. The earliest memory I have of the Easter Vigil service is being around six years old and sitting next to my mom at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry (or St. Paul's Kovil - church- which is locally just called 'Samba Kovil!). There were streamers and lots of decorations. I think we might have been late for mass, because we were sitting outside in the courtyard. Six year old me was excited to be outside at midnight; the sights and sounds were mesmerising - women in silk, men in their tailored shirts and pants (because in the early eighties that was the norm!) and children in their shiny frocks and pattu paavadais. I have a very clear memory of asking my mom what was happening and why the church was decorated. "Jesus is coming back" she had replied in hushed tones. "Tonight?" I had asked, shocked. "Yes, he's going up to heaven tonight" she had said, motio