Easter Vigil 2023

Easter Vigil 2023 Back

Easter Vigil 2023

Easter is a Holy Day honoring the most important event in Christianity. The significance of Easter is Jesus Christ's triumph over death. His resurrection means the eternal life that is granted to all who beleive in Him.

The Easter vigil was celebrated at Derebail church ground on April 8th, 2023 at 7pm. The faithful waited for Rev.Fr. Anil Fernandes along with Fr. Joseph Martis, Fr. Gerald Pinto, Fr Augustine to light the Easter candle from the “new fire”. The Pascal candle was then taken by a procession along the aisle while parishioners lit candles from the flame, filling the entire ground with candlelight.

Rev Fr Anil Fernandes Director of Communication Center of Mangalore Diocese was the main celebrant, Rev. Fr Augustine - Lucknow Diocese, Rev.Fr. Joseph Martis, Parish Priest of Derebail Church; Rev.Fr. Gerald Pintowere the concelebrants.

In the homily Father stated, Love never dies, Life never ends, for he is Risen, Christ is truly risen Alleluia! Pope Francis in his most recent Apostolic Exhortation, Christus Vivit, a document addressed three great truths to young people and to the entire people of God “God loves us; Christ Saves us; Christ lives" along with these three truths we add another truth that is we are also alive with Christ. The witness for Christ' resurrection is his Empty tomb and the changes that happened in the people who met him. Christ risen is a change for our life, invite for a new life. What are our changes? Changes from false to truth, from Death to life, from darkness to light, from sadness to happiness. The person who meets Christ changes his life they don't remain the same. Hence we need to pray to Christ so that we can change our life. Believing that Christ is risen is an apostle of joy. Let us all witness Christ and spread the joy to everyone.

Holy Water has always been seen as a sign of protection against evil and is a sign of life. The Holy Water was blessed and then sprinkled over the gathering. This was followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

After the Eucharistic Celebration, the Parish Priest, Rev.Fr. Joseph Martis expressed his gratitude to all the priests who had graced the occasion and concelebrated the mass. He thanked all the parishioners and members of various associations of the parish for their active participation during the lenten season. He extended festal greetings to the entire parish community and extended their warm wishes to all the parishioners.

The Eucharistic Celebration was solemnized by choir with their melodious voice.

Parishioners who had contributed for the mass were honoured with a candle. Meanwhile, volunteers distributed refreshments to the parishioners.

The blessing of the renovated Church followed after the mass.

Report by: Carol
Pictures: Simon Pereira