Pics: Justin D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi
Mangaluru/Udupi, Apr 19: Christians across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts came together on the evening of Saturday, April 19, to celebrate Easter with solemnity and devotion through Easter Vigil Masses held in various churches.
Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is the most significant event in the Christian calendar. The Holy Week, which commenced with Palm Sunday on April 13, culminated in the joyful celebration of Easter on April 20, following the observances of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday that recall Christ’s Last Supper, passion, and crucifixion.
Rosario Cathedral, Mangaluru
Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur
At the Rosario Cathedral in Mangaluru, the Easter Vigil was led by the Bishop of Mangalore diocese, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, drawing a large number of worshippers.
Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore led the ceremony starting from blessing of Paschal candle which signifies the victory of light over darkness. He also blessed the fire and holy water before the Holy Eucharist began. Fr Alfred Pinto, parish priest of Rosario Cathedral and Fr Vinod Lobo were present.
Easter was celebrated with great fervour in Udupi. The main celebration of the Diocese was held at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, under the leadership of Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi.
Dignitaries including Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves, rector of the Cathedral and vicar general of the diocese; Fr Pradeep Cardoza, assistant parish priest; Fr Dr Jancil Alva, resident priest, Fr Manoj Furtado, Fr Parel Fernandes of Pilar Fathers and Fr Ronson D’Souza, rector of Holy Cross Home Katapady, were present.
The Easter Vigil liturgy began outside the church. The ceremony commenced with the lighting of new fire, symbolizing the light of Christ. The Paschal Candle was lit from the new fire and carried inside the church, signifying the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the Paschal candle was placed on its stand in the sanctuary, the lights in the church were switched on, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Fr Pradeep Cardoza, assistant parish priest, chanted the Exsultet, also known as the Easter Proclamation. The Liturgy of the word followed, comprising four readings from the old testament: the story of creation from the Book of Genesis, the Crossing of the Red Sea from Exodus, a passage from Isaiah, and another from Ezekiel. This was followed by a reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans and the Gospel passage taken from St Mark.
In his Easter message, Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo described Easter as a sacred day that fills hearts with faith, renewal, and joy. He emphasised that the Resurrection of Christ strengthens faith, inspires fulfilling lives, and offers hope in times of despair. The Bishop highlighted that Easter is not merely a religious observance but a symbol of victory over defeat, light over darkness, and life over death.
After the homily, the water was blessed, and people lit their candles as they renewed their Baptismal vows. The Bishop and priests sprinkled newly blessed holy water on the congregation. At the end of the solemn Easter Mass.
Bishop Gerald also wished everyone a Happy Easter, marking the occasion with joy, faith, and devotion. The celebrations concluded with a sense of hope, renewal, and joy, as the community came together to commemorate the Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ.
Similar vigils across parishes in both districts witnessed thousands of faithful participating in the liturgical celebrations, marking the triumph of life over death and the spirit of renewal that Easter brings.
Easter Vigil Masses across other churches: