TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Pealing of Church bells reverberated all over the State on Saturday night as the Catholic community joyfully participated in Easter Vigil services to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion.
The Easter Vigil, considered most important Mass of the liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church, began shortly before midnight in all parishes on the diocese, with Archbishop Felipe Neri Ferrao presiding over the services at the Se Cathedral in Old Goa.
The key parts of the midnight service included the kindling of the Easter fire and the lighting of the Paschal candle to signify Christ as the ‘light and life’ and the various readings of the Holy Bible.
The services also consisted of the blessing of the water of the baptismal font and renewal of baptismal vows by the Catholic faithful. In many parishes, newborns were baptised during the Mass.
During the midnight service, the priests reminded the packed congregations that the Catholic Church celebrates the solemn Easter Vigil, at which is announced Christ’s resurrection and his victory over death.
Easter also marked the end of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline in preparation for Easter.
After the Easter Vigil services, the Catholic community exchanged greetings and many others continued the celebrations late into the night by participating in musical programmes and dances, which were organised at prominent venues all over the State.
Commercial establishments such as coffee shops, ice cream parlours and cake shops remained open past midnight to cater to the customers who flocked in after attending the Easter Vigil services.
Other Easter celebrations in the State included the popular sale of Easter eggs, confectionery and other sweetmeats as well as dine and dance events.
The Catholic community also took the opportunity to greet their relatives and friends on the occasion of Easter.
