Mangaluru: After 40 days of the Lenten Season, including the Holy Week, the Christian fraternity celebrated Easter with joy and fervor on Sunday, April 4.
At Valencia church, the celebration started at 7.00 pm. The Easter Candle was lit from the “New Fire” and carried to the Altar in a procession. As the candle was taken down the aisle, parishioners lit the candles from the flame, illuminating the area in candlelight. Holy water was then sprinkled on all those present.
Fr Roque sang the Exsultet – the Easter Hymn. Five readings from the Sacred Scriptures gave a glimpse of the salvation story of Israel and mankind in general. As Gloria resounded in the air the image of Risen Jesus got unveiled.
Fr Roque said, “We must fall in love with Jesus. When we love him, it becomes easier for us to do what he wants. Our love for the risen Lord should be shown through our profound relationship to him and much more through our works of charity. The risen Saviour is not resting at the right hand of God the Father, He is actively and really present amidst us and in our hearts”.
The main celebrant was Parish Priest Roque D’Sa. Con-celebrants were Asst PP Fr Lancy D’Souza and Fr William Barracas
Easter Mass at St. Teresa Church, Paldane
Easter Mass was held at St. Teresa Church, Paldane, Mangaluru. The Mass was led by the church priest Reverend Fr. Alban D’Souza and the Judicial Vicar of Mangalore Diocese Reverend Fr. Walter D’ Mello. Their discourse said that Jesus Christ has given us new hope by sacrificing his life on the crucifix for the sake of washing our sins and then resurrecting on the third day.
