Mangaluru: After 40 days of the Lenten Season, including the Holy Week encompassing Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the Christians fraternity celebrated Easter with joy and fervor. As the Easter Sunday falls on April 16, this year the celebrations in the city commenced with Holy masses in various parishes on Saturday, April 15, 2017.
Christians celebrated the resurrection of Lord Jesus. Before the festive mass at 7:30 p.m, all the lights were switched off at the Rosario Cathedral. The Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza lighted the Easter Candle from the “New Fire” and carried it to the Altar in a procession. As the candle was taken down the aisle, parishioners lit the candles from the flame, illuminating the area in candlelight.
Bishop Dr Aloysius along with Parish Priest of Rosario Cathedral Fr J B Crasta, Fr Rockey Fernandes, Fr Vincent D’Souza and Fr Paul D’Souza celebrated the festive mass.
The Bishop Dr Aloysius in his homily said, “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and Alleluia is our song. Jesus has risen, without the resurrection of Jesus’, we would not have been saved from sin. Jesus rose from the dead on the 3rd day and many witnessed it. We were reintegrated with God because of the resurrection of Jesus. We should reflect on how strong our faith is. Jesus is with us and he is loving us.”
Water was blessed and the Holy water was then sprinkled on all those present. Parish Priest of Rosario Cathedral delivered the vote of thanks and wished all the parishioners a very happy Easter.
