Panaji: The Members of the Christian community in Goa on Sunday attended special prayers and services in churches and chapels on the occasion of Easter, celebrated in belief of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
A large number of people, including women and children, thronged churches in the coastal state to attend the midnight mass and also held processions as mark of the celebration.
Goa has 30 per cent of its 16 lakh population believing in Christian faith.
The prayers were offered during mid night of Saturday which continued on Sunday.
In some Churches like Our Lady of Immaculate Conception church in Panaji, the mass was also held in Portuguese language besides English and Konkani.
Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai on Sundayextended his heartiest greetings to the people of Goa, particularly the Christian brethren on the auspicious occasion of Easter.
The Governor in his message said that the day of Easter marks the Resurrection of Jesus, three days after his death. Easter is the ultimate sign and divine symbol of victory over forces of death, darkness and evil.
Pillai has further stated that Jesus Christ preached the eternal values of love, compassion, brotherhood, responsibility and forgiveness. In the present-day-world, afflicted with many man-made evils, the messages of Jesus Christ can help to transform us and guide us to lead a more meaningful, peaceful and happy life.
Chief minister Pramod Sawant also extended his heartiest greetings to the people of Goa, especially to the Christian brethren on the divine occasion of Easter. Easter commemorates the glorious resurrection of Jesus.
Sawant in his message said, “Easter is a time to share love and happiness. In the present day, the noble virtues and values embodied by Jesus Christ can give us strength to lead a more meaningful life, promoting human values.
The chief minister further said, “Easter reminds us all to follow our conscience and practice what we can do for others in day to day life. On this day, let us pledge to strive for the welfare of others and inspire people to empower others. May all of us, living in this beautiful State of Goa, join together in building a new society, wherein the interests of others will reign above all.”
