Report by: Dale D’Souza
Photos by: Raynel Lewis, Joshua D’Souza, Shanald Furtado
The Easter Vigil Mass began on April 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The principal celebrant was Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese. He was supported by Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves (Vicar General), Fr Pradeep Cardoza (Assistant Parish Priest), Fr Dr Jencil Alva (Res. Priest), Fr Manoj Furtado SFX and Fr Parel Fernandes SFX (Pilar Fathers), and Fr Ronson D’Souza, a priest from the parish.
The Mass began with the Blessing of the Holy Fire followed by the solemn entrance to the church with the Easter Candle. The Easter Hymn was sung as Fr Pradeep Cardoza led in a reflective and joyful spirit.
The celebration involved 4 readings and 3 psalms leading up to Fr Dr Jencil Alva proclaiming the Gospel. The sermon was presented by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, who spoke about the meaning of Easter offering some reflection of the victory of life over death and light over darkness.
After the sermon, the Blessing of Holy Water took place. Together with the ICYM youth who animated the liturgy of the Easter Mass, the celebration was assembled with the accompaniment of the parish choir creating an uplifting atmosphere.
The Easter Sunday Mass took place on Sunday April 20, 2025 at 8:00 AM. Fr Pradeep Cardoza was the main celebrant, along with Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves and Fr Dr Jencil Alva.
In his sermon, Fr Pradeep Cardoza focused on the four important symbols of Easter – fire, water, Easter Candle, and Baptismal Promises – and their significance in the spiritual life of the individuals present. The mass concluded with the Blessing of the priest’s house, continuing the tradition and extending the joy of Easter to the parish community.
Leave a Reply