Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha Celebrates Solemn Easter Vigil at Rosario Cathedral, Mangalore
Mangaluru, April 19, 2025: In a spirit of great joy and solemnity, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, led the Easter Vigil celebration at Our Lady of Rosary Cathedral, Rosario, Mangalore on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 7:15 PM. The majestic liturgy, rich in symbolism and tradition, marked the Resurrection of Jesus Christ — the cornerstone of Christian faith. Rev. Fr Alfred J. Pinto, the Cathedral Parish Priest, and Fr Vinod Lobo, Assistant Parish Priest, concelebrated the Mass, along with a large gathering of the faithful who came together to rejoice in the Risen Lord.
The Easter Vigil, often referred to as the “mother of all vigils,” began with the blessing of the new fire and the lighting of the Paschal Candle, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world. This was followed by a solemn candlelight procession into the darkened Cathedral, dramatically representing the light of Christ dispelling the darkness of sin and death.
The Liturgy of the Word included readings from the Old and New Testaments, unfolding the story of salvation from creation to the Resurrection. As the Gloria rang out and the church bells pealed, the faithful rejoiced in the Risen Christ. The renewal of baptismal promises and the blessing of baptismal water added to the spiritual fervor of the night.
In his Easter message, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha offered a profound reflection on the hope and renewal that Easter brings: “On this holy feast of Easter, we celebrate the joy of the Risen Christ who conquered death. His sacrifice on the Cross and glorious Resurrection reveal to us the light of hope, forgiveness, and God’s eternal love.‘
Easter is the feast of victory — the triumph of goodness over evil, truth over falsehood, light over darkness, and life over death. Through His Resurrection, Christ shows us the way to new life.
During this Easter season, let us resolve to be instruments of peace and hope in society through compassion, forgiveness, and love. May the path shown by Christ guide us, and may we reflect God’s love to all. United in faith, may we grow in His grace and spread the message of peace and goodwill.
I pray that the joy of Christ’s Resurrection may bring blessings to all your families — today and always.”
The Cathedral resonated with festive Easter hymns and resounding Alleluia, as the faithful exchanged Easter greetings with hearts full of joy. The celebration concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving and final blessing, ushering in the glorious season of Easter — a 50-day period of joy in the light of the Resurrection.
