Exultet

There is no moment in the church year quite like the singing of the Exsultet. After we gather in the dark and the new fire is blessed, the Paschal candle is carried into the sanctuary, piercing the shadows. Then, the deacon or cantor stands at the ambo to chant this great Easter Proclamation. It is a sweeping, joyful summons that calls the hosts of heaven, the earth, and Mother Church herself to rejoice because the gloom of sin has been broken.

Arranged here in solfa notation by Lawrence X.O. Ebuk, the score follows the longer form of the Roman Missal's third edition. The text walks us through the whole history of our salvation. We hear about the Passover, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the pillar of fire, leading right up to the resurrection. The words are incredibly moving, especially when the cantor sings of the "truly necessary sin of Adam" and the "happy fault that earned so great, so glorious a Redeemer." It reminds us that God's mercy is always greater than our failures.

For the one tasked with chanting it, this piece requires breath control, steady pacing, and a heart full of faith. As the chant builds toward its end, offering the candle—the work of bees and human hands—we pray that its flame mingles with the lights of heaven. It is a profound way to welcome the Morning Star who never sets, bringing the congregation into the true joy of Easter morning.