Alleluia: Christ is risen!

Fr. Jack Eastwood lights the "new fire" at St John the Evangelist San Francisco -- the opening act of the Great Vigil of Easter.

Just why the service heralding the Resurrection begins with fire is not much spelled out in the liturgy. I can't help guessing that it might have some affinity with northern European rites of spring.

Nonetheless, a happy beginning to a glorious evening of music, remembrance, and hope for new life.