Udupi: Easter Celebrated with devotion and fervour in Mother of Sorrows Church

By Benedict Noronha
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 24 April 2011: Jesus is risen was the acclamation during the Easter Vigil and Mass at Mother of Sorrows Church,  Udupi on Holy Saturday, April 23, 2011. The liturgy started at 7-00 p,m. Rev.Dr.Baptist Menezes, Episcopal Vicar of Udupi District, Rev.Fr. Mathew Vas, the Parish Priest and Rev.Fr. Melwyn Noronha, the Assistant Parish Priest officiated and jointly performed the ceremony and concelebrated the Holy Mass.

 

At the start of the liturgical service, new fire was ignited and was blessed. From that new fire, the Easter Candle was lit in the dark. The congregation was lit their own candles symbolizing the conquest of light over darkness. Thus, enlightenment was there amidst chanting of psalms and scriptures. The Easter Candle was inscribed with the words ‘Alpha’ and ‘Omega’to mean the ‘Beginning’ and the ‘End’, and five nails were pinned to it to represent ‘Five Wounds of Jesus’ who suffered death on the Cross.

 

Easter night vigil was there near the grave where the body of Jesus was laid. But Mary of Magdela and Mary of Cleophasa were restive and awake throughout the night and early morning rushed towards the grave where they found the tomb was open. To symbolize the vigil, there were four readings from the Old Testament, singing of Psalms and  recitations of the ‘Litany of the Saints’ sung excellently by Fr. Melwyn.  After the Litany of the Saints, the water was blessed, the Baptismal Vows were reconfirmed and the congregation was sprinkled with the Holy Water.

 

After the singing of ‘Gloria’ to the accompaniment of ringing of the bells and the tolling of the main church bell,  two readings from the New Testament were read.

 

In his homily, Fr. Melwyn explained the meaning of the of Easter and how the church developed what were the problems the early church faced and also pointed out the thinking and  condition of the  contemporary church and the faithful and  how it should be, etc. It was indeed an excellent preaching for  this occasion. The faithful present were very joyful which could be seen after the whole ceremony was over as the people greeted the priests and each other.  Easter joy pervaded everywhere.

 

 

The readings were done by the church Leaders of various organizations and sisters, representing the faithful. It was unique privilege for the Udupi church to have Episcopal Vicar, whose involvement was indeed inspiring. His readings, his voice, diction and rhythm are model for those who participated in the services.

 

The Easter Vigil ceremony lasted for about two and half hours. The church was full to capacity and even the extended pandal was also overflowing.  The Choir team had rendered matching service to enliven the spirit of Easter vigil as well as the Easter Mass.

 

Jesus Christ is Risen and this spirit must live longer and enrich our lives in the present challenging days of difficulties of all kinds.

 

With Easter Blessings and Greetings by  Rev. Fr. Mathew Vaz the Easter Vigil and Mass  ended. However, the spirit of Easter will linger throughout the year. May the Risen Jesus be with all the viewers of Bellevision the world over.