Easter Vigil at St Lawrence Church, Bondel
Mangaluru: The Easter Celebration at St Lawrence Church, Bondel, commenced at 7:00 p.m. with the blessing of the new fire by Rev. Dr Ivan D’Souza, Professor at St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu.
Rev. Dr Ivan D’Souza was the main celebrant. Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza Parish Priest, Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza, Asst Parish Priest, Rev Fr Ravi Kumar MSIJ, Rev Fr Vincent Saldanha, and Rev Fr Theo Pinto were concelebrants.
The Easter Candle was lit and carried to the altar, calling on people to walk in the light of the Risen Christ. The faithful lit candles, signifying the victory of light over darkness and thereby enlightenment. Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza sang the Exults—the Easter Hymn. Seven readings from the Sacred Scriptures gave a glimpse of the salvation story of Israel and mankind in general. As Gloria resounded in the air, the image of the Risen Jesus was unveiled.
Rev. Dr Ivan D’Souza began his homily with the thought that Jesus put on God, so we need to put on Jesus (ಜೆಜು ದೆವಾಕ್ ನೆಸ್ಲೊ ಆಮಿ ದೆವಾಕ್ ನೆಸ್ಯಾಂ).
Recalling the Hindi poem, he said, “I tried to embrace myself with my hands, but I couldn’t; I tried to lay my head on my shoulder to console myself, but I couldn’t. Then I realised we needed each other to comfort and console us.
The stone that was laid on the tomb of Jesus getting rolled away by itself shows Jesus death has no power over Jesus. He is risen and has fulfilled his mission for humanity.
Christian life should always be full of hope, faith, and happiness.
Mary Magdalene and the Apostles witnessed the resurrection of Jesus. We are much more privileged to believe in His resurrection and become strong witnesses in our faith, hope, and happiness.
The folded linen signifies that death has no power over Jesus; it is the sign of the fulfillment of His mission.
Thereafter, the baptismal water was blessed by Rev. Dr Ivan D’Souza.
Parishioners participated enthusiastically in the solemn ceremony and celebration. Later, water was blessed, and baptismal vows were renewed.
At the end of the Mass, the parish priest extended the Easter greetings to all the parishioners. He thanked the liturgy Committee, Choir Members, PPC Members and Volunteers for organizing the Triduum well. The parish choir embellished the liturgy with excellent musical accompaniment. Faithful who had gathered in great numbers wished each other after the mass and, with the peace of Jesus, returned home.
The significance of the celebration of the Easter Service was highlighted by Mrs. Avitha Mascarenhas.
Photography: Veron Pinto
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza.
