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Grand Easter Vigil Celebrations at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte–Kallianpur

The most awaited and spiritually profound Easter Vigil celebration unfolded with great devotion and reverence at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte–Kallianpur, on Saturday, 19th April 2025, beginning precisely at 7:00 PM.

The solemn service commenced in the church portico with the lighting of the Easter Candle, symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World, in the presence of the faithful. The ceremony was led by Parish Priest Rev. Dr Roque D’Souza, along with Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr Oliver Nazareth, and guest priests – Rev. Fr Ivan Madtha, Fr Rodrigues, and the main celebrant Rev. Fr Steevan Fernandes.

As the Blessed Pascal Candle, adorned and aglow, was brought into the darkened church, it lit the way forward – a powerful symbol of Christ’s resurrection from the tomb. The Easter Proclamation or Exsultet was soulfully rendered by Rev. Fr Ivan Madtha, setting the tone for the night filled with scripture, reflection, and renewal.

Four scriptural readings from the Old Testament – Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, and Ezekiel – were read with solemnity, accompanied by melodious responsorial psalms rendered by the Choir Group, lifting the congregation into deeper reflection.

The solemn declaration of the Resurrection was marked by the resounding "Glory to God in the Highest", accompanied by the joyful chiming of bells. The New Testament epistle was proclaimed, followed by the Gospel of the Resurrection, sung with reverence by Rev. Dr Roque D’Souza. The celebrants then unveiled the beautifully adorned statue of the Risen Lord, an emotionally uplifting moment for the entire congregation.
Delivering the Easter homily, Fr Ivan Madtha offered a powerful reflection:

"Tonight, we journey from darkness into light, from the death of sin into the glorious light of Christ. The Paschal Candle leads us through this sacred liturgy – rich with ancient symbols, scripture, and the Alleluia we have long awaited to sing."

He urged the faithful to relate personally to the Resurrection, stating:
"We may not perform miracles like Jesus did, but we can wipe tears, extend a helping hand, listen with compassion, and console the suffering – thus rising with the Risen Lord in our own communities."

The third part of the Vigil saw Rev. Fr Oliver Nazareth leading the renewal of baptismal vows, the blessing of holy water, and its sprinkling upon the congregation. This was followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, with Rev. Fr Steevan Fernandes as the main celebrant. He was joined on the richly decorated altar by Vicar Rev. Dr Roque D’Souza, Assistant Fr Oliver, Fr Ivan Madtha, and Fr Rodrigues, all celebrating the triumph of Christ’s Resurrection with unity and joy.

Indeed, Easter is the pinnacle of Christian faith — celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, affirming our hope in new life after death. As the Gospels recount, the empty tomb and the encounters of the Apostles with the Risen Christ remain the cornerstone of our faith.

In his concluding address, Parish Priest Rev. Dr Roque D’Souza extended warm festal greetings to all – present parishioners, those at home, and those serving or settled elsewhere. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the grandeur of the Holy Week and Easter Vigil – Parish Pastoral Council, Gurkars, pious organizations, Choir team, liturgical commission, altar servers, donors, and the entire parish community.
Special words of appreciation were offered to Fr Ivan Madtha for his deeply enriching reflections during the Holy Triduum, and to Fr Steevan Fernandes for graciously accepting to be the main celebrant of the Easter Vigil.

The celebration concluded at 9:15 PM with a festive spirit, as warm snacks and cold drinks were generously served to all by the ICYM and YCS members, bringing to close a holy and joy-filled Easter Vigil — one that rekindled hope, strengthened faith, and glorified the Risen Lord.