Mangaluru: Across Mangaluru and Udupi, the erstwhile DK , many thousands of Christians filled the churches on Saturday April 4 to observe the Easter Vigil on the eve of Easter Sunday.  It was a night filled with light, as the faithful in each church lit candles signifying enlightenment. Chanting of psalms and scriptures resonated in the air and the melodies of the choirs added to the devotion. Following the easter vigil, Christians were seen greeting each other with hugs and hand shakes, even as whats app messages were flying around wishing everyone on this joyous occasion.

The Holy Week which began with Palm Sunday culminated with the Easter Vigil that marked the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Maundy Thursday marked the last supper of Christ while Good Friday, the crucification.

Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza led the Easter Vigil Mass at Rosario Cathedral with Fr J B Crasta, Fr Alwyn Serrao, Fr Rocky Fernandes and Fr Amith Rodriguess as co celebrants. Bishop lit the Pascal candle before the mass and blessed the Holy water during the mass.

Dr Aloysius D’Souza in his Easter message said “Easter is a feast of strengthening the faith. Only risen Lord makes our faith stronger. Without a strong faith, there cannot be an Easter. Jesus the son of God came and saved us from sins. He rose from the dead after three days and instilled the faith in us. I call upon the faithful to follow Jesus in true spirit.”  Coincidentally, the  Rosario Cathedral will celebrate its centenary this week.