mangalore today

Mangaluru and Udupi mark Easter Vigil with devotion and fervour


Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 5, 2015: Mangaluru and Udupi diocese marked the Easter Vigil with great fervour and devotion as per the traditions of Konkani Catholics.  The universal church ans all Christians count the festival of Easter, as the hall mark and corner stone of Christianity the world over.  Most of the 165 parishes of these two diocese started the solemn Vigil service by 7 pm.


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The blessing of fire and the ritual ’Pascal’ Candle was held out side the church and then proceeded into the church chanting ’light of Christ’ ........  In the church several  Bible readings were done and  the joyous and glorious declaration of Easter was done by the main celebrants. The Mass proceeded  with the blessing of the ’holy water’  and renewal of ’Baptismal vows’ with lighted candles in hand. The services were attended with great enthusiasm and order by the faithful.  Easter Sunday April 5, will be marked by celebrations and special church services all over the region and many parts of the Chrsitian world as per traditions. 

According to the various preachers at this vigil masses, the catholic church holds that the Resurrection of Christ after his death on the cross and lying in the tomb fro three days is the greatest mystery of ’Christ the son of God’. Christianity gets a lofty meaning from this fact. Many great scholars and scientists have tried to disprove this  fact but no logic could stand up to it.  The Bible categorically demolishes many anti theories and this has become the one episode that spread Christianity world wide rapidly.

At Udupi  : The Diocese marked the solemn vigil at the Milagres Cathedral Kallianpur under the leadership of Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi. The liturgy of the Easter Vigil began at 7 pm outside the church.The blessing of the new fire, the Paschal Candle was lit and it was carried inside the church. In his homily, the Bishop Gerald Lobo proclaimed  fact that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after being Crucified is the foundation of the Christian faith which is a strong edifice the world over. The disciples were frail after the crucifixion of Jesus, experienced the Risen Christ were filled with courage and rapidly spread the good news.


After the homily, the water was blessed following the recitation of the Litany of the Saints. The renewal of  Baptismal Vows was an important part of the observance, the Bishop  sprinkled newly blessed Holy Water on the congregation.


Fr Stany B Lobo, Rector of the cathedral, greeted all and invoked the blessings of the Risen Christ.  Bishop Gerald also wished Happy Easter to all.

At Mangalore :  The Bishop Dr. Aloysius D’Souza  was the main celebrant at Rosario Cathedral.  He said that the fact that Christ was the only religious figure that rose from the dead and still is present in the universe and has insured that Chrsitianity is a living religion which does not need conversions by force or other means.  Fr J B Crasta, Fr Alwyn Serrao, Fr Rocky Fernandes and Fr Amith Rodriguess as co celebrants. Bishop lit the Pascal candle before the mass and blessed the Holy water during the mass. Fr Alwyn Serrao delivered a stirring  homily and provided wide ranging proofs that confirms the Resurrection.  Dr Aloysius D’Souza in his Easter message said "Easter reinforces the Christian faith through the  risen Lord. Easter is the proof of the wide spread faith. Jesus the son of God saved humanity. He rose from the dead after three days and glorified God and gave the Christian faith to man kind. "  Easter joy and peace was extended to all people on the occasion.

 Bishop Aloysius thanked the Vicar of Rosario and all others who contributed and helped in renovating and making the century old Cathedral (1915-2915) a renewed  edifice of great aesthetic beauty and blessing to Mangalore diocese.  He announced that the centenary celebrations of the Rosario Cathedral edifice is set to be from April 9 to the 12. The final valedictory will be on April 12, 2015 and to be a land mark day at Rosario with many dignitaries gracing the occasion.  He and the Vicar asked all people of the parish and others to participate, co-operate and make it a memorable occasion so that it will not be forgotten for another hundred years at least.