Holy Saturday and Easter Celebrated with Joy at St. Antony Church, Anthonykatte

April 04, 2026: The parish community of St. Antony Church, Anthonykatte, came together in deep faith and devotion to celebrate the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil on the night of 04th April 2026, marking the most solemn and glorious celebration of the Christian liturgical year. The main celebrant was Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Francis Rodrigues, who led the faithful in welcoming the Resurrection of Christ.

The celebration began with the Blessing of the New Fire outside the church premises, from which the Paschal Candle was lit, symbolizing the light of the Risen Christ dispelling the darkness of sin and death. The candle was carried in a solemn procession into the church, and its light spread to the candles of the congregation, filling the church with a glow of faith and hope.

The liturgy of the Word followed, with scriptural readings narrating the history of salvation—from Creation to the Resurrection—reminding the faithful of God’s eternal plan of redemption. The solemn chanting of the Exsultet (Easter Proclamation) uplifted the congregation with its powerful message of Christ’s triumph over death.

The highlight of the vigil was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, where Fr. Francis Rodrigues proclaimed the message of Easter, calling the faithful to live as witnesses of the Risen Lord with renewed hope, love, and commitment to Christian values. The Resurrection Alleluia was sung with joy, and the church resounded with Easter hymns, signifying the victory of life over death.