Easter, Proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Celebrated in St. Lawrence Church, Moodu

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Pics by Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 03 Apr 2021: The Easter Vigil Service in St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ commenced at 7pm on Saturday, 3 April 2021 in front of the church where the new fire was kept burning. As the parishioners were seated inside the church due to Covid 19 precaution, Fr. Jithesh Castelino, Assistant Parish Priest along with Deacon Vijay D’Souza and Altar Servers conducted the prayers service and blessed the new fire as the lights of the church were switched off. The Pascal Candle was lighted from the newly blessed fire.

 

The lighted Pascal Candle was carried into the church by Deacon Vijay D’Souza proclaiming ‘The Light of Christ’. As the lighted Pascal Candle proceeded inside the church up to the main altar, faithful lighted their individual candles from the Pascal Candle. Deacon Vijay D’Souza placed the Pascal Candle on the stand and incensed it.

 

Fr. Clement Mascarenhas recited the Exultant in melodious voice.

 

 

The second part of the Easter Vigil Service was reading of the passages from the Old Testament by the members of the liturgical committee, followed by responsorial psalms sung by the members of the choir and prayer recited by the chief celebrant Fr. Jithesh Castelino.

 

The Gloria was sung to the peeling of the church bell and proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas meanwhile unveiled the statue of the Risen Christ.

 

In his homily, Deacon Vijay D’Souza narrated the significance of the Easter Vigil such as blessing of the new fire and water. He further said that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith and hope of the resurrection of all the believers.

 

Following the homily, Fr. Jithesh Castelino along with Deacon Vijay D’Souza blessed the water. Thereafter, the congregation was blessed by sprinkling the holy water by the priests. This was followed by the renewal of the Baptismal Vows.

 

Sr. Irene Viegas, Superior of Loreto Convent anchored the entire Easter Vigil Service.

 

Fr. Clement Mascarenhas conveyed the greetings of Easter to all parishioners.