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Udupi : The Easter Vigil also called Paschal Vigil celebrations held at Milagres Cathedral Kallianpur with devotion and gaiety. His Lordship Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi diocese led the celebrations along with Very Rev Fr. Stany B. Lobo, Rector of the Cathedral, Rev Fr. Rolwin Aranha and Rev Fr. Prakash Anil Castelino Asst. Parish priests, Rev Fr. Herald Mathias and Rev Fr. Nelson Furtado of Pilar Fathers, Kallianpur.

The evening liturgy of the Easter vigil started at 7 pm near Cathedral main entrance when the newly lit fire as all the lights within the church were put off. With the blessing of the new fire, the Pascal Candle was lit and it was carried inside the Cathedral to the acclamation of “Christ our Light” (Lumen Christi) with the response from the congregation, ‘Thanks be to God’. As the candle proceeded through the Cathedral, all present lit their respective candles from the Paschal candle. As this symbolic “Light of Christ” spread throughout those gathered, the darkness was decreased. As the Paschal candle was placed on its stand in the sanctuary, the lights in the cathedral are switched on Bishop chanted the Exsultet, also called the “Easter Proclamation” or “Paschal Praeconium, after which the people took their seats as the liturgy of the word began.

There were three main session of the Easter celbration.  First part is lighting of Pascal Candle. The Paschal candle is a large, white candle used at liturgy in the Western Rites of Christianity (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, etc.). A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter, and is used throughout the Paschal season which is during Easter and then throughout the year on special occasions, such as baptisms and funerals.

The flame of the Paschal candle symbolizes risen Christ as light of the world and his presence in the midst of his people. The Paschal candle is sometimes referred to as the "Easter candle" or the "Christ candle." The term "Paschal" comes from the word Pesach, which in Hebrew means Passover, and relates to the Paschal mystery of salvation. The tall white candle in many ways signifies the Divine pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night that lead the Israelites in their Exodus from slavery in Egypt.

The second part is Word of God wherein five readings were read from the bible beginning with Genesis i.e. Abrahams Faith in God wherein he almost sacrificed his son to obey God’s command but God prevents him at the last moment, pleases with Abraham and promises him prosperity and happiness.  The remaining readings are from the book of Exodus, where God saves his people from slavery of Egyptian Pharaohs and lead them to Israel the Promised Land.

The third part is of renewal of Baptism vows and blessing of holy water when along with Bishop Rev Fr. Anil Prakash Castelino and Rev Fr. Rolwin Aranha accompanied the celebrations.

The final part is of holy mass concelebrated by Bishop along with all priests and distribution of communion and final blessings..

During homily by Fr. Herald Mathias said that Resurrection of Jesus which is the foundation of the Christian faith. In resurrecting Jesus from the grave, God reminds us of His absolute sovereignty over life and death. Those who believe in Christ will not remain dead, but will be resurrected unto eternal life.

Rector of Cathedral Fr. Stany thanked all those involved in the celebrations of holy week. He also thanked Bishop, all the fellow priests and nuns for their unending sacrifices and help all through the Holy Week to conduct all services smoothly.  He wished all congregations Happy Easter.

At the end of ceremonies of Easter Vigil, Bishop also thanked the parishioners for beautiful liturgy conducted during the Holy week. He also thanked the youngsters of the parish for beautiful liturgy of Easter. He wished all congregations Happy Easter.

After the celebrations, ICYM arranged Easter Egg and Malt with milk to all the participants of the Easter Celebrations.