The Christian faithful at St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia, came together in solemn reverence on the evening of April 19, 2025, to celebrate the Easter Vigil the most significant liturgical event in the Christian calendar marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ after 40 days of the Lenten season.
The vigil commenced at 7:00 PM with the traditional Service of Light. As darkness enveloped the church grounds, all artificial lights were switched off, symbolizing the world in darkness before Christ’s resurrection. Rev Fr Flavian Rajkiran Lobo, professor of Patrology at St Joseph Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru, lit the Easter Candle from the “New Fire” and solemnly processed towards the altar, bearing the Light of Christ. The congregation, holding unlit candles, received the flame from the Paschal Candle, gradually illuminating the church in a serene glow of candlelight.
The rite of blessing the water followed, during which the holy water was sprinkled upon the faithful as a renewal of baptismal promises.
The Liturgy of the Word comprised five readings from Sacred Scripture, tracing the story of salvation from Creation to Christ’s resurrection. As the Gloria resounded throughout the church, the veil was lifted to reveal the image of the Risen Christ, symbolizing the triumph of life over death.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was led by the principal celebrant, Fr Flavian Rajkiran Lobo. He was joined at the altar by Parish Priest Fr Roque DSa, Assistant Parish Priest Fr Pradeep Rodrigues, Fr Rolwin Fernandes Asst PP St John the Evangelist Church Pangla Udupi and Fr William Barracas as co-celebrants.
The Easter Vigil concluded with a spirit of joy and reverence, as the faithful embraced the hope and renewal that Easter brings.
