Easter Vigil

Easter Vigil Back

The Easter Vigil liturgy is the most beautiful liturgy in the Roman Catholic Church. Although celebrated Holy Saturday evening, it is the dramatic Easter vigil liturgy that marks the beginning of Easter. We are awaiting our master's return with our lamps full and burning, so that he will find us awake and seat us at his table (cf. Luke 12:35ff). The Easter Vigil was observed at our church at 7 PM on the 4th of April, 2015. The faithful gathered in multitudes at Most Holy Redeemer Church for the Easter Vigil marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is followed by Easter Sunday celebration, the great feast day and apogee of the Christian liturgical year.

The Vigil is divided into four parts:

Service of Light,
Liturgy of the Word,
Liturgy of Baptism, and
Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The Service of the Light ceremony began outside the Church where a new fire was lit and blessed. A Paschal Candle was prepared and then processed through the church. Everyone lit their candle from the Easter candle and continued in procession until the whole church was alight. The Paschal candle symbolizes Christ, the Light of the World.

The Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Peter D’souza, Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Vinod Lobo and Rev.Fr.Faustine .L. Lobo- the National Director of Pontifical Mission Organization- celebrated the mass.

Rev.Fr.Faustine .L. Lobo was the Main Celebrant of the mass who in his sermon said that it is not easy to find the risen Lord in our life. Although the risen Lord appeared to his disciples, they failed to believe in his resurrection. In the same way, we who attend mass and part take in spiritual activities at times fail to seek God. Finding the resurrected Lord is therefore an important task in the life of a Catholic. The only way to feel the presence of the Risen Lord is through our good deeds. Unless we change ourselves according to the Word of the Lord it is difficult to accomplish this.

After the mass, Fr. Peter wished all the Parishioners, especially the old, the sick at home and those abroad the blessings and good wishes of Easter. The Youth Choir added to the solemnity of the mass.

Report by: Lynsha Lobo
Pictures: Simon Pereira