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Udupi : Most dignified Easter Vigil and Solemn Eucharistic celebrations proclaiming the triumphal Resurrection of Jesus Christ was celebrated in various churches of Udupi Diocese and all over the world on Saturday, 31^st March, 2018.

The evening liturgy of the Easter Vigil also called Paschal celebrations began at Milagres Cathedral , Kallianpur of the Udupi Diocese at 7 pm. Faithful gathered in front of the Milagres High School here around the newly lit fire. In the absence of Bishop of Udupi Diocese and Vicar of the Cathedral of the Diocese, Very Rev Fr. Stany B. Lobo Rector of the Cathedral was the chief celebrant along with Rev Fr. Rolwin Aranha Asst Parish priest, Rev Fr. Henry Mascarenhas, Chaplain of Ozanam Home for the aged and Estate Manager of the diocese, Rev Fr. Herald Mathias Superior of the Pilar Fathers, Kallianpur and Rev Fr. Nelson Furtado Vocational Director of Pilar Fathers, Kallianpur.

When the newly lit fire at entrance of the Cathedral, all the electric lights within the Cathedral 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 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 Rector 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 celebration. First part is lighting of Paschal 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 the 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 ion the midst of his people. The Paschal candle is sometimes referred to as “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 Gloria was sung during which the bells were rung ushering in the joy or the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, the statue of Resurrected Christ was unveiled and venerated.

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.

Following the read of Gospel, Rev Fr. Henry Mascarehnas in his homily stressed on the meaning and significance of the mystery of Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The third part is of renewal of Baptism vows and blessing of Holy water when along with priests accompanied sprinkled the faithful with the newly blessed Holy Water, as the faithful held the lighted candles in their hands.

The final part is of Holy Eucharistic mass concelebrated by the Rector of the Cathedral in the absence of Bishop.  

Very Rev Fr. Stany B. Lobo thanked all those involved in the celebrations of Holy week. He also thanked Bishop for conducting liturgy on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday and also thanked 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. Melroy Almeida compered the liturgy beautifully.

The beautiful Choir of the Cathedral enhanced the Solemnity of the Easter Vigil by singing melodious hymns all over the Holy Week. The parishioners attended the Easter Vigil in finest of their clothes and with happy disposition marking the end of the Lent and joy of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.