Most Rev. Gerald Lobo celebrated Easter night vigil at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur on 20th April, 2019.
Easter is one of the most important religious festivals for people following Christianity all over the world. The festival commemorates the Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ, three days after the agonizing Crucifixion.
The Solemn Eucharist was celebrated by Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi Diocese along with V. Rev. Fr Lawrence C. D’Souza, Rector of Milagres Cathedral; Rev. Fr Canute Noronha, Asst. Parish Priest of Milagres Cathedral; Rev. Fr Lancy Fernandes, Principal of Milagres English Medium School, Kallianpur; Rev. Fr Jossey Mascarenhas, Pilar Fathers’ Kallianpur and a big number of lay faithful.
The liturgy of the Easter Vigil began at 7:00 pm at the church Hall entrance. The lights were put off when the fire was lit. With the blessing of the new fire, the Paschal Candle was lit and carried inside the church. As the Paschal candle was placed on its stand in the sanctuary, the lights in the church were switched on.
The Liturgy of the Word comprised of three readings from the Old Testament. After singing ‘Gloria’ accompanied by ringing bells and the main church bell, two readings from the New Testament were read.
After the homily, the water was blessed, people lit their candles as they renewed the Baptismal Vows following which the Bishop and priests sprinkled newly blessed Holy Water on the congregation.
At the end of the solemn Easter Mass, Rev. Fr Lawrence C. D’Souza, Parish Priest of the Church, extended the greetings of Easter to all and invoked the blessings of the Risen Christ on all the parishioners. He also thanked each and everyone who had helped in the smooth conduct of all the services during the Holy Week. Bishop Gerald also wished Happy Easter to all the parishioners on the occasion.
