Easter Vigil and Solemn Mass Proclaims the Resurrection of Jesus Christ in St. Lawrence Church, Mood

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 19  Apr 2025: Prior to the solemn Easter Mass, the most important moment of Holy Saturday is the Easter Vigil which is also known as the Paschal Vigil or the Great Vigil of Easter which is usually observed prior to the solemn Easter Mass. The Easter Vigil Liturgy in the Roman Catholic Church is the most beautiful and meaningful. The Easter Vigil is divided into four parts: Service of Light, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of Baptism, and Liturgy of the Eucharist.

 

The Easter Vigil and solemn feast Mass proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus Christ was observed in St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle on Saturday, 19 April 2025 from 07 pm to 9.45 pm. At 07 pm. prior to the beginning of the Service of the Light, all lights in the church were put off as the congregation gathered in front of the church. Outside the church, a fire was ignited which was blessed by Fr. Ivan Martis, native of Moodubelle and presently Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature of Bolivia in South America along with Fr. George D’Souza-Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, Fr. Alberto Nacolitano-Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature of India, Fr. Rckson Monteiro-Assistant parish Priest of Moodubelle and Fr. Jnyan Prakash-Rector of Diocesan Regional Seminary, Moodubelle. Fr. Ivan Martis prepared the Paschal Candle symbolizing the Risen Christ with these words and carvings on the candle.

 

In his homily, Fr. Ivan Martis said that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is not only a historical fact but also a fact of faith. He narrated various examples to prove that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead. He stressed on the importance of the three days in the Liturgy of the Church-Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil.

The blessing of the water kept in a decorated vessel was the next important service of the Easter Vigil. Following the blessing of the Holy Water, Fr. George D’Souza immersed the Paschal Candle three times in the water. Thereafter, the Baptismal vows were renewed and the congregation was sprinkled with newly blessed Holy Water.

 

At the end of the solemn Easter Mass, Fr. George D’Souza  extended the greetings of Easter to all the parishioners and expressed gratitude to all those who had helped in the successful conclusion of the Holy Week. 

 

The Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Pritish D’Sa made an appeal to the parishioners to contribute generously for the project of covering the premises of the Church with favre finish.

 

Fr. Alberto Nacolitano conveyed the greetings of the Feast of Easter to the parishioners of Moodubelle.