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A vigil is a period of intentional wakefulness set aside for devotional activities.

Roman Catholic AnswerA vigil in the Christian religion is the day, or evening before a feast of solemnity which has one. They used to be far more numerous than they are at present. Now we only have Vigils for three Solemnities: Christmas (Christmas Eve), Easter (the Vigil Mass), and Pentecost.

from Modern Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon, S.J. Doubleday & Co., Inc. Garden City, NY 1980

Vigil. The day or eve before a more or less prominent feast or solemnity. It was observed as a preparation for the following day with special offices and prayers and formerly with a fast, honoring the particular mystery of religion or the saint to be venerated on the feast day. The Church today observes solemn vigils for Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. Although the number of such solemn vigils has been reduced since the Second Vatican Council, the church sill wants the notion to vigils to be kept alive in the minds of the faithful. Thus "it is fitting that Bible services on the vigils of great feasts, on certain ferial days of Lent and Advent, on Sundays and feastdays, should also have the same structure as the liturgy of the Word at Mass" (Inter Oecumenici, 1964, 38). (Etym. Latin vigilia, from vigil, alert.)
A night before a religious feast

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Q: What is a vigil?
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Related questions

Is communion given at the Vigil Mass?

Which Vigil Mass? Every major solemnity has a Vigil Mass and communion is distributed at each one. Eg: Christmas Vigil, Holy Saturday Easter Vigil, Pentecost Vigil, etc.


What is the definition of a vigil?

Vigil means an Activity.


Is vigil named after the candle?

No, Vigil means a Ceremony.


What are antonyms of the word vigil?

Antonyms of vigil are neglect and indifference.


Where does Easter Vigil occur at night?

Everywhere! That is why it is called a vigil.


Use the word vigil in a sentence?

They held a candlelight vigil.


When was Vigil Stakes created?

Vigil Stakes was created in 1956.


When was Olga Vigil born?

Olga Vigil was born in 1970.


When was Robert Vigil born?

Robert Vigil was born in 1953.


How tall is Myrna Vigil?

Myrna Vigil is 5' 2".


How tall is Shandel Vigil?

Shandel Vigil is 5' 3".


How tall is Terri Vigil?

Terri Vigil is 5' 1".