By Mr Mario Borges For BIS Mumbai

The Paschal Triduum is a sacred time in the Christian calendar, marking the culmination of Lent and the celebration of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This year, Resurrection Church in Virar East embraced this holy period with a series of meaningful services, drawing the community together in faith and reflection.

The Triduum began on April 2, 2026, with the Mass of the Lord's Supper at 7:30 p.m. The church was filled with parishioners, all eager to participate in this significant event. Fr. Thomas D'Costa led the Mass, delivering a heartfelt homily that reminded the congregation of the importance of love and service in their lives.

Following the Mass, the community engaged in a time of Adoration from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. This period of quiet reflection allowed individuals to spend personal time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Community members took turns in prayer, deepening their connection with God and reflecting on the significance of the evening.

The next day, April 3, 2026, marked Good Friday, a day of fasting and abstinence. At 5 p.m., the church gathered for the Good Friday Service, which included the Passion of our Lord. This solemn service invited the congregation to reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. Fr Francis Fernandes in his homily mentioned about the Final words of Jesus - Tetelestai (Greek) "It is finished," "It is accomplished," or "Paid in full" (John 19:30) and Mother Mary at the foot of the Cross.

On April 4, 2026, Holy Saturday, the church prepared for the joyous celebration of the Lord's Resurrection. The Easter Vigil began at 9 p.m., marking the transition from darkness to light. The service commenced with the lighting of the Paschal candle, symbolizing the light of Christ dispelling the darkness of sin and death. Fr D'Costa led the vigil, which included readings from Scripture recounting salvation history, culminating in the joyous proclamation of the Resurrection.

Finally, on April 5, 2026, Easter Sunday, the community gathered for the Confirmation Mass at 8:30 a.m., celebrated by Rt.  Bishop Thomas D'Souza and 2 other guest priests from different parishes. This special service celebrated the Resurrection and marked a significant milestone for the 33 confirmands, who were ready to affirm their faith and receive the Holy Spirit. This includes 15 Candidates from The Resurrection Church Virar East, 15 Candidates from St. Mother Teresa Church Virar West and 3 Candidates from the Church Of the Nativity of Our Lady Palghar. The Bishop's message emphasized the importance of living out one's faith in the world, encouraging the newly confirmed to be witnesses of Christ's love.

The Paschal Triduum at Resurrection Church was a profound experience for the community, filled with moments of reflection, solemnity, and joy. As the celebrations concluded, the parishioners left with renewed spirits, ready to carry the message of the Resurrection into their daily lives, embodying the love and hope that Easter represents.