Around 160 people from the Goan, Mangalorean and Konkan communities participated in the first Konkani Easter Vigil Service in Aberdeen at St Joseph's Church, Woodside.
The liturgy began in darkness with the blessing of the new fire and the preparation of the Paschal Candle. The Paschal candle was enkindled by the main celebrant, Fr Anil Gonsalves, before the congregation, followed by a procession to the church.
Brunette Pereira, Coordinator of the Konkani Mass Group, welcomed the congregation and read the opening prayers followed by the Mass intentions.
The lectors were Cynthia Desa, Maria Viegas, Zenaida Rodrigues, Reagan Cardozo, Daniella Fernandes and Brunette Pereira. The choir members were Maria Viegas, Chrisanne Mendes, Alex Mendes, Aloysius Rodrigues, Nash Fernandes, Nilesh Gomes, Francis Desa, Riana Fernandes and Brunette Pereira.
Goan photographer based in Aberdeen, Shane De Souza, captured the moments at the Konkani Easter Vigil Service.
In his special greetings to the Konkani speakers from various parts of India, gathered at St Joseph’s Church, Woodside, Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao said it gave him joy to know that they had gathered for the first ever Konkani language Easter Vigil service in Aberdeen.
“We celebrate today the triumph of the Risen Lord over death and all forms of evil, making us sharers in his New Life. Easter encourages us to infuse our society with newness of life and purpose. Wherever we are, may we come together to celebrate Paschal joy and share it, particularly with those who are most in need of it: the joyless, the dejected and the underprivileged. I wish you a grace-filled Easter, with abundant blessings of Jesus, the Risen Lord!,” stated Cardinal Ferrao.
Later, a token of love in the form of an Easter card and Chocolate Bunny (Easter Eggs) was distributed to each family.
