Grand Easter celebrations at, Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte – Kallianpur

By P. Archibald Furtado
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 17 Apr 2022: The most awaited Easter vigil service was begun at 7.00 pm, sharp with the lighting of the Easter Candle in the portico of the Church, in the presence of all parishioners, by the parish priest Rev Dr Leslie C DSouza together with Asst parish priest Rev Fr Steevan Fernandes and guest resident priest Rev Fr Gerald S DMello, with them spent the Holy Saturday, the day Jesus was in the tomb, as it was an opportunity to reflect on what we would miss in a world, without Him….!

 

Rightly it is in stillness the Earth awaits the Resurrection, in brief, the Easter is the most important festival of the year as we celebrate the return to life of Jesus Christ, after His Crucifixion, generally known as the Resurrection. The Gospels inform us that on the morning, two days after His death Jesus tomb found empty and soon his followers and Apostles not only began to see Him but also talk and dine with Him. We believe that Jesus Resurrection means, we too can receive new life after death.

 

Blessed and decorated Pascal Candle, the Light of the World, was taken inside the Church as a symbol of Christ’s rising from the tomb and the song of Easter Proclamation was sung by Rev Fr Gerald DMello followed by scriptures readings from Genesis, Exodus and Prophet Isaiah well supported by melodious psalms’ by Choir group……………

 

The solemn festal Holy Mass was celebrated by Vicar Rev Dr Leslie C DSouza as the main celebrant with Fr Steevan and Fr Gerald DMello, accompanying him on the well decorated altar.

 

 

Today, it was the turn of Asst Parish Priest Rev Fr. Steevan Fernandes to preach the word of God. He started to emphasise on the historical, religious and theological importance, of the event as well as how it is a fact and not a story – that is why even after 2000 or more years of Jesus life, time and living we millions are here as live witnesses. He is Alpha and Omega, both the beginning and end of this Universe……” Easter is also a first ever feast in the Catholic Church - generally treated as Feast of feasts or Mother of all feasts. Further it’s the celebration of new light to the mankind, a triumph of good over evil, and a promise of eternal life, after the life on earth……” ‘As we prepared for this day for 40 days of Lent with services, sacrifices and demonstrating our love and concern for one another in different ways, it must not stop over here, but continue…..’ he stressed. He started with extending Easter Greetings of Peace to all gathered in large number.

 

As the baptismal vows renewed, the holy water was blessed and sprinkled on the faithful and the Holy Eucharistic sacrifice was offered.

 

To wind up the grand and meaningful Easter celebration, the Parish Priest extended festal greetings to the entire parish family - to all the parishioners, present and at homes and serving and settled elsewhere. He took the opportunity to express his happiness and gratefulness to all – the Parish Pastoral Council, Gurkars, all pious organisations, the Choir team, various commissions or ayogs, especially team in in-charge of Liturgy, the altar boys……etc and  the pirjents family of the feast for their contribution and cooperation.

 

Though it was raining heavily, outside, giving feel of relax and cool, there was no dearth in the enthusiasm and participation in the ceremonies which was officially concluded around 9.30 pm with the serving of warm snacks and cold-drinks to all generously arranged  by Mrs Sandra and Jerome Britto & family, well distributed by the members of ICYM & YCS.