Exsultet
is the first word of the beautifully poetic hymn sung in praise to God for the
light of the Paschal candle during the liturgy of Holy Saturday: it is the Latin word for Rejoice! The Exsultet was
composed sometime between the 5th century and the 7th century, and likely came into
regular usage in the 9th century.
When this hymn is sung, the church is traditionally in shadow, illuminated only
by the flame of the Paschal candle itself and the myriad candles held by the
faithful, lit from the Paschal candle.
The atmosphere is one of hushed expectation, as the assembled wait for
the moving proclamation of the wondrous works of God throughout salvation
history, culminating in the Paschal mystery.
Listen with your heart…
Exult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven,
Exult, let angel ministers of God exult,
Let the trumpet of salvation
Sound aloud our mighty king's triumph!
For a more in-depth look at the Exsultet, click here.
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