Easter Vigil Celebrated with Deep Faith and Solemn Devotion in Udupi
Udupi: Christians across the Udupi district congregated in their respective parishes on Saturday, April 4, to celebrate the Easter Vigil, a significant religious observance commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The celebrations, marked by solemnity and devotion, followed the Holy Week observances, culminating in the joyous anticipation of Easter Sunday.
Kallinapur, presided over by Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Apostolic Administrator of the Udupi Diocese. Dignitaries present included Cathedral Rector Rev Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Assistant Parish Priest Fr Pradeep Cardoza, Fr Parel from Pilar Fathers, Sampada Director Fr Reginald Pinto, and Fr Peter Mendonca.
The Easter Vigil liturgy commenced at 7:00 pm outside the darkened church. Following the blessing of the new fire, the Paschal Candle was illuminated and solemnly processed into the church. As the Paschal Candle was placed in its stand within the sanctuary, the church lights were illuminated, symbolizing the Resurrection of Christ and the dispelling of darkness. Fr. Pradeep Cardoza, the Assistant Parish Priest, then intoned the Exsultet, the Easter Proclamation.
The Liturgy of the Word followed, featuring four readings from the Old Testament, each succeeded by a responsorial hymn and a prayer led by the main celebrant. The selected readings included the story of Creation from Genesis, the Crossing of the Red Sea from Exodus, a passage from Isaiah, and another from Ezekiel. These Old Testament readings were succeeded by a reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans and a Gospel passage from St. Mark. The recitation of the “Gloria,” accompanied by the ringing of bells, including the main church bell, heralded the transition to readings from the New Testament.
In his homily, Dr. Lobo underscored the pivotal importance of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as the bedrock of Christian faith. He emphasized that the Resurrection is an unshakeable foundation. He further reflected on the transformation of the Apostles, who, initially fearful after the Crucifixion, were emboldened by their encounter with the Risen Christ and subsequently dedicated themselves to spreading the Gospel.
The principal celebration within the Udupi Diocese took place at the Milagres Cathedral,
Following the homily, the water was blessed after the Litany of the Saints. The congregation then lit their candles and renewed their Baptismal Vows, after which the Bishop and priests sprinkled the newly blessed Holy Water upon the assembly.
At the conclusion of the Easter Mass, Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Rector of the cathedral, conveyed Easter greetings to all present, invoking the blessings of the Risen Christ upon the parishioners. He expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the seamless execution of the Holy Week services.
