Holy Week observed with great devotion in Saverapura

CT News

Moodbidri, April 9, 2023 : The spiritual preparations for the Holy Week in St Francis Xavier Church, Saverapura began with half day Lenten retreat preached by Rev Fr Arun Dsouza OP on Sunday March 26.

Palm Sunday which commemorates Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem was observed with devotion on April 2. Parish priest Rev Fr Noel Mascarenhas celebrated the mass.

Maundy Thursday was observed on April 6 at 5pm. Three important events are the focus of this day. First, Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples, the day on which the Holy Eucharist was instituted. Secondly, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as an act of humility and service and thirdly, he instituted the ministerial priesthood.

Parish priest Rev Fr Noel Mascarenhas celebrated the mass. Following the homily, as a symbolic gesture and as a tradition to commemorate Jesus' selfless act of love and service, the Parish Priest washed the feet of the chosen parishioners representing all men, women, youth, religious and elders.

Soon after the mass, the Holy Eucharist was taken in procession to the ‘Altar of Repose’ which was specially prepared with floral decoration and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was conducted.

The Parish conducted the Good Friday Way of the Cross in a unique way under the guidance of the Parish priest on April 7 at 8 am. The stations of the Cross started near Joseph Monis' house and the faithful went in a procession to the church meditating 14 stations of the cross with prayers and hymns.

Good Friday evening service was conducted at 5pm. Rev Fr Rohan Dias was the main celebrant of the mass. Parish priest Rev Fr Noel Mascarenhas concelebrated and delivered a meaningful homily. The Good Friday service comprised of four parts: Scripture readings and reflection, solemn prayers for various intentions, the unveiling and veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion. All these were conducted with great devotion.

Easter Vigil was celebrated on April 8 at 7pm. The Easter Vigil Service mainly had four parts: The Liturgy of Light; the Liturgy of the Word of God; renewal of baptismal vows and the holy eucharist. Parish Priest Rev Fr Noel Mascarenhas celebrated mass in the presence of a large number of faithful.

At the end of the mass, the parish priest thanked all the donors and supporters and extended his Easter greetings to all the parishioners.