Following the 40 days of abstinence during Lent, it was truly a time to celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, Easter, one of the most important celebrations in the Catholic faith, was not just about attending the Easter vigil and midnight Mass or munching on Easter eggs but to many it is an occasion to follow their own age old traditions. It was a day of eating and making merry with family and friends.
Children enjoyed the breaking of Easter eggs after doing the egg-hunt, with some having their names designed on the eggs artistically. It was a reflection of some cherished traditions, both past and present, those that make Easter truly special.
While Easter Sunday is the main observance, which marks the resurrection of Jesus, Easter Monday is also significant in many cultures and countries, often marking a public holiday and a time for family gatherings and celebrations. In some places it is marked by specific customs, such as egg-rolling competition, parades and sports events.
Easter Monday can also be a time for reflection and spiritual contemplation and is also called “Monday of the Angel” in relation to the announcement of the resurrection of Jesus. It encourages us to find Christ in the everyday moments of our lives, recognising His presence in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary and also to renew our commitment to living out the resurrection. This involves acts of kindness, compassion and justice, leaving our comfort zones and to step out into the world, carrying the message of hope, forgiveness and grace.
Sadly, this year, Easter Monday brought a pall of gloom on the entire Catholic Community, when the news spread like wild fire informing that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, had passed away, to return to the house of the Father. His death was really sad and shocking as a day earlier he had given his Easter blessings from the balcony in Vatican and also met some dignitaries. Befittingly these became his final blessings to the faithful from all over the world. Pope Francis always stood by the downtrodden and the marginalized, spoke fearlessly against inequality and inspired millions across faiths with his message of love, peace and humanity. May God grant him eternal rest in heaven. Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.
Our Parish Priest, Fr. Agnelo Rodrigues is celebrating his 35th Ordination day on 8th May whereas Fr. Josely Rocha, our Ast. Parish Priest, is celebrating his 43rd birthday on 27th May. We wish them good health and happiness always and May God shower His heavenly blessings on them. I take this opportunity to thank Fr. Agnelo and Fr. Josely for the services rendered in our Aquem Parish of St. Sebastian since last June. Their sudden and unexpected transfer has saddened every parishioner of Aquem. It is said that parting is sad and definitely saying goodbye will be difficult. Nonetheless, we thank you for your good work in Our Lord’s vineyard of Aquem and wish you every success in your future assignments. God bless you Fr. Agnelo and Fr. Josely.
Until we meet again, stay safe and take care.
Felix Dias (Editor)