Udupi: The Easter Vigil Mass and the solemn Eucharistic celebrations proclaiming the triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ was celebrated in various churches of the Udupi Diocese and all over the world on the night of March 31.
The Easter Vigil (also called Paschal celebrations) began at the Milagres Cathedral in Kallianpur of the Udupi Diocese at 7 PM. The faithful gathered in front of the Milagres High School around a newly lit fire.
In the absence of the Bishop of Udupi Diocese and the Vicar of the Cathedral of the Diocese, 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.
After the fire at the entrance was blessed, the Pascal Candle was lit and was carried into the Cathedral as all those present lit their respective candles from the Paschal Candle.
The Paschal candle is a large, white candle used at the liturgy in the Western Rites of Christianity (Roman Catholic, Anglican Lutheran etc.) A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year on Easter and is used throughout the Paschal season (during the Easter and throughout the year on certain occasions, such as baptisms and funerals).
The flame of the Paschal candle symbolises risen Christ as the Light of the World and his presence in the midst of his people.
Rev. Fr. Stany B Lobo thanked all those involved in the celebrations of the Holy Week. He thanked the Bishop for conducting the liturgy on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday and also thanked all the fellow priests and nuns for their help all through the Holy Week to conduct the services smoothly. He then wished everyone a Happy Easter.
