A yellow half-moon hung indolently as people from west Dublin parishes began to gather for an ecumenical Easter sunrise service at the papal cross in the Phoenix Park yesterday morning.
The service was scheduled to begin at 6.30, but some people were there from 6am, preparing a wood fire in a brazier near the cross which spat out sparks brighter than the stars above.
Small bouquets of flowers had been placed inside high railings at the cross to mark the second anniversary last Monday of Pope John Paul's death.
Father Martin Cosgrove, parish priest at Mourne Road, had prepared appropriate words for the service.
"It is particularly good for us to be here this year at a moment of great expectancy and hope for all the peoples of this island - a moment when those who for centuries have been caught up in deep conflict and division now are destined and privileged to lead in the ways of peace and prosperity. May the risen Lord bless their efforts."
His words were appropriate not least as he planned to say them there, not far from Farmleigh House, where on Spy Wednesday last week - a day usually associated with betrayal - a great reconciliation had begun.
But Father Cosgrove was taken ill in recent days and could not deliver the message. He is recovering well.
Yesterday's service was conducted by Father Denis Robinson, also of Mourne Road parish, and the Rev Elaine Dunne, from the Church of Ireland's Castleknock parish.
As six jets left white lines in the sky above they and about 200 other people sang Jesus Christ is Risen Today.
There was a reading from St Paul and from St John's account of the empty tomb. The gathering prayed for the "wonderful gift of the Northern Ireland peace process", for the sick, for the "new Ireland of the future and all of our new wonderful people", and for those "who have no one to pray for them".
At about 6.50 a lazy sun emerged through wintry trees, two jets heading in its direction.
The Nicene Creed was recited and people sang "this is the day he rose again".
When the service was over, a woman distributed Creme Eggs to all and sundry.
