Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 20: Christians across the twin districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi began Easter celebrations on Saturday April 20 evening.

The Easter celebration commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Holy Week which began with Palm Sunday on April 14, culminates with the Easter Sunday on April 21.

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday marked the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, respectively.

Rosario Cathedral 

St Lawrence Church, Bondel

The Easter Vigil Masses were attended by thousands of faithful in their respective parishes including at Rosario Cathedral in city.

At Rosario Cathedral Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha led the celebration of resurrection starting from blessing of Pascal candle which signifies the victory of light over darkness. He also blessed the fire and holy water before the Holy Eucharist began.

Bishop Emeritus Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza offered Mass at St Joseph’s Church. Most of the churches in Mangaluru city had open air masses.

The congregation in all the churches lit Pascal candles. They chanted the psalms and scriptures which resonated in the air. The church organ, which was silent in the Lenten season, was enlivened by the choirs.

Easter observed at other churches:

• Mangalorean United Konkani Association of Nottingham-UK
  
• Houston Konkan Catholic Association
• Konkans Ireland, Dublin
• Sacred Heart Church Surathkal
• Holy Family Church, Omzoor
• St Joseph The Worker Church Vamanjoor
• Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail
• St Sebastian Church, Permannur
• St Therese of Child Jesus Church, Salmiya Kuwait
• Mother of God Church Shakthinagar
• St Francis Xavier's Church, Bejai
• Christ King Church Kayyar
• St Vincent Ferrar Church, Valencia
• Milagres Church , Mangaluru