The Easter Proclamation

The high point in the liturgical year is the Easter Vigil. I have participated in this liturgy for the past fifty-six years. My first Easter Vigil was at seven-thirty in the morning the year before the Holy Week reform of Pope Pius XII. In the mid-sixties, the rite was translated into English and, then, there was the rite that was revised in the wake of the Second Vatican Council. And now, this year we will be using a new translation..

One of the great hymns in the Roman Liturgy is the Easter Proclamation from the Easter Vigil. Below are two translations for you to compare. The texts are interspersed to make comparison easier; one is in plain type, the other in italics.

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!

Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels!
Exult, all creation around God’s throne!
Jesus Christ, our King is risen!
Sound the trumpet of salvation!

Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her,
ablaze with light from her eternal King,
let all corners of the earth be glad,
knowing an end to gloom and darkness.

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor,
radiant in the brightness of your King!
Christ has conquered! Glory fills you!
Darkness vanishes forever.

Rejoice, let Mother Church also rejoice,
arrayed with the lightning of his glory,
let this holy building shake with joy,
filled with the mighty voices of the peoples.

Rejoice, O Mother Church! Exult in glory!
The risen Christ shines upon you!
Let this place resound with joy,
echoing the mighty song of all God’s people!

The text in plain type is the newer translation; the one in italics is the earlier translation. The revised translation that was introduced this liturgical year is marked by its emphasis on fidelity to the Latin text, including word order and syntax, even marked by transliterations.

Since this text is meant to be proclaimed aloud, read each of these translations in a good strong voice.