Fr Mario Carvalho kindles the large Easter fire at the St Anthony’s Church in Siolim during the Easter Vigil service on Saturday night.
Photo Credits: Menino Rodrigues
PANAJI
Easter Vigil services were conducted in Churches, Chapels and Catholic institutions across the State, as Christians joyfully celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Saturday night.
Considered the most important Mass of the liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church, the Easter Vigil services began shortly before midnight across the archdiocese.
The kindling of the Easter fire, the lighting of the Paschal (Easter) candle to signify Christ as the 'light and life' and various readings from the Holy Bible were among the key rites of the midnight service.
The blessing of the water of the baptismal font and renewal of baptismal vows by the Catholic faithful were also essential part of the services.
While Cardinal Felipe Neri Ferrao presided over the Easter Vigil service at the See Cathedral in Old Goa, Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes presided over the service at the Chapel in the Bishop’s House in Panaji.
The priests reminded the Catholic faithful during the midnight service that the Catholic church celebrates the solemn Easter Vigil, at which is announced Christ's resurrection and his victory over death.
Easter Masses will also be celebrated in parishes on Sunday morning.
In a notable display of inter-faith harmony, a Hindu voluntarily donated wood which was used to kindle the Easter fire at the St Anthony’s Church in Siolim on Saturday night, drawing appreciation from Parish Priest Fr Socorro Mendes and the parishioners.
When contacted, a number of priests conveyed the importance of Easter.
“For me, Easter is Hope made alive. With the death of Jesus every seemed over. The Apostles were shattered their hopes were dashed. Resurrection made hope alive. It rejuvenated the band of Apostles though in the initial stages they were reluctant to believe. In this Jubilee Year, let this Easter rekindle our hope and make us alive in our Faith,” said Fr Derick Fernandes, Parish Priest of Pilerne.
Fr Loddy Pires, Director of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Panaji, said Easter is a joyful season that makes people forget the miseries of life.
“Jesus has absorbed our pain and comforts us at every step. We are Blessed to have a Saviour. May our life bring many people to acknowledge Him in faith,” said Fr Pires.
Fr Bolmax Pereira, Parish Priest of Chicalim, said the Paschal Mystery is not just about Information but Transformation.
“Let this Easter Transform our lives with the power of Resurrection to journey together in Hope with our fellow Goans informed by the Gospel event. Celebrate Easter to Transform your life to Transform Goa,” said Fr Pereira.
Added Fr Walter de Sa, Parish Priest of Panaji: “Jesus' resurrection is for us a cause of great rejoicing and jubilation for He has won the battle against the devil and gained victory for humanity. His resurrection is victory over sin and death. His resurrection is our resurrection too. His victory is our victory too. For He died and rose on our behalf.”
“In this Jubilee Year 2025, keeping in mind its theme, "Pilgrims of hope", let us strive to make a new beginning by journeying together, hand in hand, in faith, and in the hope that will never ever deceive us.”
