Mangalore : Large number St. Francis Xavier Parishioners celebrate Easter with Solemnity

By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 20 Apr 2014:  A large number of St. Francis Xavier parishioner of Bejai attended the Easter Vigil Service and solemn Easter Mass with great devotion and paiety.  The Easter service began at 7:30pm with blessing of the fire and lighting of the Pascal Candle by Rev. Fr. Sunil Pinto Assistant Parish Priest accompanied by Rev. Fr. Victor Machado, Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael, Principal Lourdes Central School and Rev. Fr. Richard D’Souza, Director Canara Communications.   All the lights of the church were switched off during this unique ceremony with all the devotees lit the candles and observed the Easter Vigil with great devotion.  The Pascal Candle was then placed on the alter and the Fr. Sunil sang the Exultet wonderfully.

 

Second part of the Easter Service was the four readings from the Old Testament followed by reading from the Gospel by Rev. Fr. Richard D’Souza.

 

The moment of glory of risen Lord came by singing Gloria by the parish Choir and a replica of risen Jesus was presented wonderfully.

 

 

In his meaningful homily Fr. Sunil highlighted that the risen Lord lives with us.  He is re-born to give us salvation to draw closer to God Almighty.  He further said that Easter means cross over from the darkness to light, from despair to peace and happiness and everlasting unity in heaven.  The risen Lord has given us strength to live in harmony, to love one another and strengthen our faith and hope, to do good to others, to help each other and develop all the wonderful talents he has bestowed upon us.

 

Blessings of the holy water and then sprinkled on the devotees followed by Holy Eucharist distribution.

 

Rev. Fr. Victor Machado proposed the vote of thanks to each and every one from the organizers to the ushers, volunteers, alter services, choir, and all those worked throughout the holy week to conduct all the services wonderfully.

 

The church choir led by Joel Pereira provided melodious singing of hymns through out the service.

 

Prior to closing of Easter Ceremony a collection poems and short plays titled:  "Ostomtecho Udev" written by former Corporator Ms. Gretta Rebello was released by Fr. Victor Machado in presence of Mr. Nirmal D’Souza (Vice President, Parish Council), Ms. Shalet Patrao – Secretary.