Kallianpur: Easter celebrations in Mount Rosary Church

By Richard Crasto
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 26 April 2011: Mount Rosarians celebrated Easter on Saturday night to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Gathered in large numbers in the church ground to pay obeisance and renew the baptismal oath during Easter vigil mass.

 

Parish priest Fr Philip Nerhi blessed the holy fire prior to the ceremony and lit the Pascal candle on the church grounds, began with prayers from the Holy Bible, he then embedded Five grains of incense in the candle encased in wax "nails" representing the five wounds of Jesus one in each hand, one in each foot, and the spear thrust into his side.  Flame of the Paschal candle symbolizes Christ as light of the world and his presence in the midst of his people. Paschal candle is the largest candle in the worship space displayed symbols .The cross is the central symbol, The Greek letters alpha and omega signify that God is the beginning and the end taken from the Book of Revelation. The current year represents God s presence here and now in the midst of the gathered worshipers. Then the blessed candle was taken to the alter preset for the Easter Vigil mass in the Mini hall stage. The open air seating arrangement was overwhelming as well as the sound system, chairs and the lighting facilitated the veneration comfortably for the parish community.

 

The Liturgy and other services throughout the Mass were conducted by the ward community. Deacon Dominic Lobo conveyed the message of resurrection of Christ during his lovely homily that became clear to enter the consciousness and emotions of the congregation as he spoke about the scientist Friedrich Nietzsche notable for having declared that God is dead he explained the people who declared God is dead have vanished from the face of the earth.

 

The Choir by talented team led by Sr Adrian dominated the whole observance the hymns performed with melodious sounds absolutely perfect for the Easter vigil.

 

 

The vice president of Mount Rosary parish council Mr Jerry Vincent Dias inaugurated the parish magazine “Rosaricho Ganch” (Rosarians Link) followed by the mass. The Magazine name forwarded by Mrs Cynthia D Silva was selected as title. Thereafter prizes were distributed for the Bible quiz contestants Mr Robert won the first prize while second third and consolation prizes were given away by parish priest.

 

Parish priest thanked Ward heads and members of all parish associations the parish council and Vice president, Sodality, MR Youth, Choir, Nuns and those who put efforts in coordinating the successful Easter celebration. He also extended his special thanks to outgoing capuchin deacon Br Dominic Lobo for serving in the parish for the past six months assisting the priest. His work would deserve appreciation if one can have a look at the vegetable garden behind the church by Br Dominic. The holy ordination of Br Dominic is on the 12th of May in Bijai and the first thanksgiving mass in Vamanjoor church a invitation to witness has been extended.  Br Dominic will offer his mass in Mount Rosary on the 22nd of May before he will depart for Tripura as college principal. It is obvious that the absence of creative personality  Br Dominic will be felt by  parish community.
The programme concluded at around 9-45 PM, it just started to drizzle during the final blessings and Fr Philip Nerhi exclaimed these are the showers of blessings from God.

 

The parish community is overheard saying lots of developments are taking place these days in our Mount Rosary church through the hard work of parish priest his foresighted contrives are inspirations for the parish community. We pray Gods multiple blessings shower on every family of Mount Rosary.