THE PASCHAL PROCLAMATION

There is no moment in the church year quite like the singing of "The Paschal Proclamation," the great Exsultet. We hear this ancient chant just once a year, at the very beginning of the Easter Vigil. The church is still dark, lit only by the newly blessed fire and the flickering flames of the candles held by the congregation. When the deacon or cantor stands at the ambo to begin "Exult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven," a profound stillness falls over the nave. It is the ultimate announcement of our faith: Christ has broken the prison-bars of death.

Musically, this setting provides the traditional chant tones in an accessible solfa format, making it easier for cantors to master the long, flowing narrative. The text is a sweeping journey through salvation history. It takes us from the flight out of Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, right up to the "truly blessed night" of the Resurrection. One of the most moving sections for any singer to deliver is the bold declaration of the "happy fault that earned so great, so glorious a Redeemer!"

Preparing the Exsultet is a massive undertaking for whoever is chosen to sing it, requiring breath control, clear diction, and a deep sense of prayer. But when those final lines ring out, asking that the Morning Star find the Paschal candle still burning, the entire choir and congregation are drawn into the joy of Easter. It sets the stage perfectly for the Gloria and the ringing of the bells that follow.