PANAJI
Easter Vigil services were conducted in churches, chapels, shrines and Catholic institutions all across the State on Saturday night, as the Catholic community celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
On account of the Covid pandemic and a recent surge in Covid cases across the State, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the government and the archdiocese were followed, which included social distancing, use of face masks and sanitisers.
Masses with physical congregations were celebrated after a gap of one year unlike last year when online Masses were celebrated since churches and chapels were closed on account of the lockdown.
This year, too, Masses were live-streamed at many churches for those unable to attend the Easter Vigil services.
Considered the most important feast of the Christian community worldwide, Easter celebrates the empty tomb of Christ who rose from the dead, signalling the victory of life over death.
The services, which were celebrated in all parishes, chapels and at many religious institutions, began shortly before midnight, with priests lighting the Easter fire and the Paschal candle to signify Christ as the ‘light and life’. Various readings of the Holy Bible were also read during the Masses.
Archbishop Felipe Neri Ferrao presided over the Easter Vigil services at the Se Cathedral in Old Goa.
During the midnight service, the priests reminded the congregations that the Easter vigil service is the most important Mass in the Roman Catholic Church, which announces Christ’s resurrection and his victory over death.
During the Masses, the priests also blessed the water of the baptismal font and renewed the baptismal vows of the Catholic faithful.
Easter Masses will also be celebrated in churches and chapels on Sunday, but the usual social festivities, events and gatherings to mark Easter will be avoided on account of the Covid pandemic.
