Easter Celebration 2016

Easter Celebration 2016 Back

Easter Vigil, also known as the Paschal Vigil is a service held in Christian Churches as the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, although celebrated Holy Saturday evening; it is the Easter Vigil Liturgy that marks the beginning of Easter. We are awaiting our master’s return with our lamp full and burning, so that he will find us awake and seat us at his table (Luke 12:35)

The Easter Vigil began at 7.00 pm and the celebrants of the Easter Vigil were Rev Fr. Vincent Menezes, Rev Fr. Anil Lobo, and Rev Fr Walter Pinto. The Vigil was divided into four parts:

1. Service of Light:- A paschal candle was prepared with these words while the priest marks the candle “Christ yesterday and today, The Beginning and the End, The Alpha and Omega. All times belong to him and all the ages. To him be glory and power through every age and forever Amen” The priest lighted the candle from the new fire, saying “May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds”.

The candle was then processed through the church, with the priest lifting the candle at three different times, everyone lights their candle from the Easter candle and continue in procession until the whole church is alight. The Pascal candle symbolizes Christ, The light of the World.

2. The Liturgy of the word: - During the Easter Vigil seven readings were read, five from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. These reading help us meditate on the wonderful works of God for his people since the beginning of time. With Various incidents the homily was given by Rev Fr. Vincent Menezes about the Resurrection of Christ.

3. Liturgy of Baptism: - During this time the Easter water is blessed and the litany of the Saints were recited. Afterwards the faithful were blessed with water and all renew their baptismal promises.

4. Liturgy of the Eucharist: So resumes the Mass, with the special prayers inserted during the Eucharist prayer. The whole church joins in the Eucharistic celebration that Christ prepared for us through his death and resurrection.

The Mass ended with father wishing all faithful a happy and Glorious Easter.

Report by: Lorreta Anthony
Pictures: Simon Pereira Derebail