Udupi: The Easter Vigil, where Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected, was held across the district on Saturday night with religious fervour.
The event was held at Milagres Cathedral in Kalyanapura under the leadership of Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese. On this occasion, The High Priest of the Church Rev. Valerian Mendonsa, Assistant Pastor V. Joy Andrade, Vam Denzil Martis of Pilar Sabha, Vam Nitesh D’Souza were also present.
On this occasion, a huge Easter candle was lit in a procession and installed at the main place of the church. Later, excerpts from the Old and New Testaments were read out. The bishops and the priests blessed the new water and blessed the devotees who had gathered.
In the sacrificial ceremony that followed, the priests reaffirmed the Christian faith and the truth, explaining jesus tribulations and the message of the resurrection. After the sacrificial ceremony, the Christian brethren who participated in the ceremony greeted them on the occasion of Easter.
Beginning with Vibhuti Wednesday, Christians observe a 40-day fast and meditate on Jesus tribulations and end the month of penance by resurrecting Jesus on Easter. Easter is also an important festival for Christians, just like Christmas.
