By Judy Harrison, Bangor Daily News, Maine Apr. 9--BANGOR -- The light of Christ filled a tiny church on Sanford Street at midnight while most Christians were sleeping, their alarm clocks not set to go off for another five hours.

By NICOLE WINFIELD VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI baptized eight people during a candlelit Easter Vigil Mass in St. Peter's Basilica early Sunday, opening the most important event of the Christian Church calendar.

By Reading Eagle, Pa. Mar. 31--Cantatas, dramas and special programs are planned at area churches starting Sunday, which is Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week.

Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his first Easter vigil as pope Saturday night at St. Peter's Basilica. Thousands of people prayed in the dark as the pope lit a single candle to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

VATICAN CITY - Pilgrims and tourists headed to St. Peter's Square on a cool, rainy day in hopes ailing Pope John Paul II would be strong enough to appear to the crowds and deliver an Easter Sunday blessing.