Udupi:  The Easter Vigil and celebrations of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ was held at the Milagres Cathedral on Saturday, 26th March, 2016 from 7 pm to 10pm. The Easter Vigil begins from the first part, Service of Light. The faithful gathered near Milagres High School, where Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo held the Service of Light.

Thereafter, Bishop inserted five grains of incense into the candle in the form of a cross and marked on the Paschal Candle. After the procedure, Bishop lit the candle from the new fire, saying, May the light of Jesus Christ rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds. The candle was then processed through the Cathedral by the chief celebrant lifting the candle at three different times singing The Light of Christ, Thanks be to God. All faithful, then lit the candle from the Paschal Candle.

After, Deacon Denis Miranda had sung the Easter Proclamation. During the Easter Vigil, six readings were taken up.

In the homily, Rev Fr. Rolwin Aranha said that Resurrection is not merely the historical fact that Christ died for that he was raised from the dead, but rather that Jesus Christ is sovereign over us because he was raised from the dead and he is merciful to us because he died for our Sins.

After the homily, the Easter water was blessed. Part of the liturgy included the Litany of Saints, which was sung by Waylon Machado.

Afterwards, the faithful were blessed with Holy Water and all renewed their Baptismal promises.

Holy Eucharistic celebrations was concelebrated by the Bishop and special prayers inserted during the Eucharistic Prayers.

The whole liturgy of the Easter Vigil, including the ceremony master, offering prayers and so on was led by ICYM of the parish unit.

At the end of celebrations, Rev Fr. Stany Lobo placed the weekly announcements as well as he thanked all concerned for the liturgy of the Holy Week. He conveyed his festive message to all.

Deacon Denis Miranda, who was leaving after the Easter Sunday after his valuable services for the church since December, gave his gratitude words for all concerned and invited to his Ordination in April end.

Bishop gave his Easter Message to all faithful. He was happy to see large crowd during the celebrations of Holy week services. Bishop puts his announcements during the end of his message.

All faithful dispersed from the church with Eggs and Cold drinks provided by ICYM at the end of the celebrations. ICYM Milagres unit will celebrate the Annual day on Easter Sunday at 6 pm onwards with cultural programme.