The Readings at the Easter Vigil: the ‘four nights of salvation’

Gidea Park Faith Talks

On Wednesday 20th March 2024, as Holy Week approached, Fr Adrian Graffy, parish priest of Gidea Park and member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, gave a short talk in the parish hall entitled ‘The Readings of the Easter Vigil: the four nights of salvation’. The Liturgy of the Word at the Vigil is a major component, and provides a panorama of the history of salvation. In particular, Fr Adrian pointed out that the Targum Jonathan, when speaking of Exodus, mentions ‘four nights of salvation’, three of which correspond to the opening readings of the Liturgy of the Word at the Easter Vigil. Fr Adrian examines all seven readings from the Hebrew and Greek Bibles, and also the New Testament readings from St Paul and the Synoptic Gospels. This was an enlightening way to prepare for the celebration of the Vigil, which is often daunting to parishioners. We were invited to deepen our awareness and love for the holy Scriptures, as Easter drew near.

A Fire in my Heart -
A Conversation with biblical friends

Catholic Biblical Association

In celebration of fifty years of priesthood and fifty years from becoming a student of the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Fr Adrian Graffy gathered together on Saturday 3rd February 2024 at the church of Christ the High Priest, Gidea Park, several biblical friends, all present in person. Carlos Castillo Mattasoglio from Peru, a friend since 1979 is now archbishop of Lima. Nuria Calduch-Benages, professor at the Gregorian University in Rome, is secretary of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, on which Fr Adrian serves. Fr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz, vice-rector at Allen Hall seminary, and biblical scholar, guided the proceedings. Dr Sean Ryan, vice-principal of Margaret Beaufort Institute in Cambridge, and chair of the Catholic Biblical Association of Great Britain, completed the group. They engaged in a conversation both personal and scholarly, retaining the attention and engagement of a good group of visitors. The two sessions are now available on line at www.whatgoodnews.org. The title given to the conversation was ‘A Fire in my Heart’ (Jeremiah 20), and each member explained their passion for the Bible, how it was born, how it developed, and what were its significant moments. The conversation was facilitated by the technical skills of Mr Paul Samuels and Mr Jon Harris of www.wildgoose.ventures