WHY IS THE VIGIL SO LATE?

Some may ask why so late? Mass at 10 pm, prayers at 3 am, Benediction at 6:45 am.  It’s in the mystery of the cross and sacrifice where the treasure and fruit lie which leads to one’s own sanctification and the transformation of our culture. Jesus’ sacrifice and suffering on the cross brought about the redemption of mankind. Our Lady of Fatima calls for penance, penance, penance. Wouldn’t you say the staying up late is good penance?

We also pray at this time to imitate Jesus who prayed late into the night in the Garden of Gesthemine.

Jesus spent the night in prayer before every important decision or endeavor. Some examples: when he was about to begin his public ministry; when he was about to select the twelve apostles who would later lead the Church; and the night before His Passion, he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemine.

The characteristics of the prayer of Jesus was typically frequent, at night, alone, intense, and lengthy.

Furthermore, it is a time when most people are available and do not have work or family obligations inhibiting them from attending.

Also, our Lord said to Sr. Faustina that “anyone who prays the chaplet whenever the 3 o’clock hour strikes will receive special favors and great graces. An ocean of mercy is opened at the 3 o’clock hour. I will not deny anyone their requests who prays the chaplet at 3 o’clock.” He didn’t say at 1pm or 6pm, but whenever the clock strikes 3.

Call to mind, that 10 pm was not too late to be at a party, or 6 am too early to go get your morning Starbucks coffee.  To sacrifice a bit of sleep for our Lord and these intentions is exactly the medicine that is needed to kill the maladies which infect our country.