MANGALURU: The Christian community in Mangaluru joined in the joyful global celebration of Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, presided over the solemn Easter Vigil at Rosario Cathedral on Holy Saturday, April 4, at 7:15 PM, and later celebrated the Easter Sunday Solemn Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel, Bishop’s House, Kodialbail, on April 5 at 7:00 AM.
The Easter Vigil, the most significant liturgy of the Catholic Church, commenced with the blessing of the new fire. Outside the entrance of the Cathedral, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha symbolically lit the Paschal Candle, marking the official beginning of the Vigil. The lit candle, representing the Risen Christ, was then carried in a solemn procession into the darkened church, beautifully illustrating the light of Christ dispelling the darkness of sin and death.
During his poignant homily, the Bishop reflected deeply on the enduring power of Christ’s light in a world frequently overshadowed by violence. Drawing attention to the current global unrest, he specifically noted the devastating wars and conflicts in Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza. Bishop Saldanha expressed profound concern over the “darkness of violence, revenge, and hatred” that has gripped various parts of the globe, lamenting the innocent lives lost and the trauma inflicted upon global citizens.
He passionately called upon the faithful to pray for world peace, urging that peaceful dialogue and compassion must replace the weapons of war. The Bishop stressed that the resurrection of Christ brings the ultimate light of hope, challenging the congregation to be true instruments of peace and bearers of this divine light in their families, neighborhoods, and the wider society.
Following the homily, the liturgy proceeded with the blessing of the Easter water and the renewal of baptismal promises, where the congregation collectively reaffirmed their faith holding lit candles.
The spiritual fervor continued on Easter Sunday morning with the Bishop offering a Solemn Mass at 7:00 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel. In the serene setting of the Bishop’s House in Kodialbail, he shared the joy and peace of Easter with the gathered faithful, concluding the holy triduum for his pastoral schedule.
Across the Diocese of Mangalore, the joy of the resurrection was echoed in all parishes and religious institutions. Devotees gathered in massive numbers in their respective local churches for the Easter Vigil liturgies on Holy Saturday night and the solemn festal masses on Easter Sunday morning. Parishes across the region were beautifully illuminated and adorned with floral arrangements, resounding with joyful hymns and the festive ringing of church bells as the Catholic community united to celebrate the triumphant resurrection of Christ.
