Event Start Date: July 11, 2018 | Event End Date: July 11, 2018 | Event Venue: |
The day of the Resurrection of the Lord is the highlight of Christian Faith. The Easter celebration of 2018 was a remarkable one as St. Francis Xavier’s Church was celebrating the Paschal Feast in the Platinum Jubilee year of St. Francis Xavier’s Church in Kanpur. Preparations from the first day of Lent was all geared for this day. The Midnight service or the Night Vigil Holy Eucharist was the main focus of the Paschal Feast. The Solemn Eucharistic Sacrifice began at 11.30 p. with the Blessing f the fire at St. Francis Xavier’s Inter mediate School Office region. The Main Celebrant for the Holy Mass of the Vigil Service was Fr. George Madathikudyil along with Fr. Rajesh Simon, Fr. Sebastian Francis, Fr. Vasant and Fr. Joseph Saghayanathan. The pascal candle was carried by Fr. Joseph Saghayanathan in procession to the Church.
The Exultut was sung by Fr. Rajesh Simon. The Mass began with the readings from the Old Testament and then the Gloria was sung which proclaimed the Rising of the Christ from the Dead. All the candles were lit which depicted that the light has come and the darkness of sin and suffering has been wiped off from the world.
Rev. Fr. Joseph S. proclaimed the Gospel and preached. He dealt on the efficacy of the rising of Christ and that the whole world is waiting for Peace and Harmony which can be achieved from Jesus the Risen Lord. Fr. Joseph focused on the Death and Resurrection of Jesus and how it changes our life and strengthens our faith in the modern world today.
Then came the Blessing of the Baptismal tater. Fr. Sebastian prayed over the water and dipped the Paschal Candle in the water thrice which signifies the resurrection of Jesus and his spirit entering into the water which makes it holy and purifies mankind. the Holy Eucharist was then continued with the offertory gifts and the distribution of Holy Communion. Coffee and snacks were distributed after Mass. Every one came out to wish each other Happy Easter and there was the Tribal Dance outside the Church in the Compound which showed the Joy of Easter. The whole celebration came to an end at 2.30 a.m.