The Easter vigil at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Agawam saw Robert Calise, 33, and 200 others convert to the Catholic faith across Western Massachusetts. Calise, a robotics maintenance technician, felt being filled with breath as a comfort feeling when getting the sacraments. Celeste Labbe, the director of faith formation for the Diocese of Springfield, explained that the rite of conversion has been a process of evangelization since the church’s inception.
The converts, who come from diverse religious backgrounds, began their journey last September and went through classes and guidance from parish teams. They delved into inquiry to discover if Catholicism was the right path for them. The final two weeks leading up to the Easter vigil were described as intense by religious leaders. The vigil is said to be the holiest day of the year, marking the celebration of Christ’s life, sacrifice, and resurrection.
Labbe and Dale Marie Breault, a member of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults team, emphasized the growth and vibrancy of the Catholic Church despite criticism and negative perceptions. Breault shared her personal journey of finding healing and purpose through Catholicism after a period of hopelessness following retirement.
The Easter vigil remains a significant event for new converts like Calise, who see it as a momentous step towards spiritual fulfillment. The ceremony includes various sacraments like Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, and Conversion. The faith formation process, including classes and daily Masses, culminates in this night of spiritual rebirth and renewal.
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