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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute“Exultet” and “Exsultet” are two spellings for the Easter Proclamation sung at the start of the Roman Rite Easter Vigil. The USCCB’s official U.S. English text uses “Exsultet” and is associated with the third edition of the Roman Missal. Its words praise Christ’s victory over sin and death through images of light, Passover, deliverance and baptism.
Where to read the complete Exsultet lyrics
The complete U.S. English Easter Proclamation is available on the USCCB’s official Exsultet page. The text begins with the invitation “Exult, let them exult,” and is also titled “The Exsultet: The Proclamation of Easter.” For the full liturgical text, consult that page rather than treating a short excerpt as the whole hymn.
This is the U.S. English wording associated with the Roman Missal, Third Edition; it should not be assumed to match every English-speaking jurisdiction, language, rite or historical edition. The USCCB says the U.S. English third edition was implemented in late 2011. The Roman Missal contains the prescribed prayers, chants and instructions for the Mass (USCCB: Roman Missal).
What the Exsultet is and when it is sung
The Exsultet—also called the Easter Proclamation—is a hymn of praise in the opening Lucernarium of the Easter Vigil. After the blessing of the fire, the Paschal Candle is prepared, lit and carried into the dark church. The proclamation follows, with the candle prominent. The candle signifies Christ as divine light (USCCB: Easter).
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Its images connect the light of Christ with Passover, Israel’s deliverance through the sea, baptism and Christ’s triumph over sin and death. It belongs to the Easter Vigil’s liturgy rather than being simply a generic Easter song. Father Michael J. Flynn, author of the USCCB commentary, calls it “one of the most evocative and poetic hymns of praise in all liturgy” (USCCB: The Exsultet: Christ Our Light).
Who proclaims it, and should it be sung?
In the U.S. Roman Missal rubrics summarized by the USCCB, the deacon proclaims the Exsultet. A priest may proclaim it instead; if needed, a lay cantor may do so. If a lay cantor proclaims it, the invitation beginning “Therefore, dearest friends” through its end, along with the greeting “The Lord be with you,” is omitted. The USCCB’s Easter Vigil overview describes the sequence and ministers.
The USCCB commentary says: “As is fitting for a text of this importance and solemnity, the Exsultet should always be sung – unless singing it worthily would be truly impossible.” The qualification matters: the norm is singing, with an allowance for genuine impossibility, not merely convenience (USCCB commentary).
Why “Exultet” and “Exsultet” both appear
The USCCB explains that “Exsultet” takes its name from the first word of the Latin original. Searchers may encounter the spelling “Exultet,” while the official U.S. page uses “Exsultet.” Both refer here to the Easter Proclamation; using either spelling with “lyrics” or “Easter Proclamation” can help locate the official text.
What is known about the Exsultet’s history
According to the USCCB commentary, a northern European practice of a deacon’s proclamation entered regular Roman practice during the Middle Ages, and the Exsultet became the standard Easter Vigil hymn in the West by that period. A ninth-century sacramentary compiled from Roman and northern European sources contains a version already essentially recognizable in its present form. The commentary describes that earlier version as about one third longer, including an extended passage with bee imagery. These historical notes do not establish a precise author or composition date (USCCB commentary).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Finding music for a parish or cantor
For preparation beyond reading the words, OCP lists resources updated for the Roman Missal, Third Edition, including Easter Vigil resources and Exsultet music. Its listing is a starting point for singers and parish music planners; confirm that any particular edition or resource suits your local liturgical use (OCP: Additional resources for the Roman Missal, Third Edition).
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