"The New Garment of God"

Here below, the Vatican English of Pope Benedict's homily at tonight's Easter Vigil:

On a programming note, the pontiff will celebrate tomorrow's Mass of the Day in the Square at 10.15 Rome time (4.15am Eastern).

In keeping with custom, it won't feature a homily in light of the traditional Urbi et Orbi message and greeting from the central balcony of St Peter's at noon.

And lest anyone forgot the significance of this day in B16's life, Holy Saturday 1927 was Joseph Ratzinger's birthday, in both senses; the Pope-to-be was baptized "immediately" with the freshly-blessed water of the Easter font.

The pontiff turns 83 on 16 April, three days before the fifth anniversary of his election to Peter's chair.

PHOTO: Reuters

-30-