Holy Week ceremony began at Paladka on 1st of April with Parishioners gathering together for 8.00am mass to celebrate Palm Sunday. Rev. Fr. Alwyn Sequeira, OCD(Carmelites) was the main celebrant along with the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Norbert Lobo. Fr. Alwyn blessed the palm leaves and then all the parishioners sang the hymn “Jai Jai Davidacha Putak” to memorise the event that took place at Jerusalem 2000 years ago.

On Tuesday, 3rd of April, all the parishioners participated with devotion in the evening 4pm mass followed by the Way of the Cross. This started at the Holy Mount on the rear side of the Parish Priest’s Residence. The parishioners themselves conducted the ceremony in the presence of the Parish Priest.

Thursday, 5th of April, all the parishioners came together for the evening 5pm mass to celebrate Maunday Thursday. The main event of this day was the Father washing the feet of 12 parishioners in exact ways how Jesus washed the feet of his 12 apostoles.

Friday, 6th of April was Good Friday and all the parishioners came together at 3.15pm to participate in the Way of the Cross. This was followed by the Priest perfoming Good Friday rituals.

Saturday, 7th of April was Holy Saturday and the parishioners came together at 7.30pm to glorify the risen Christ. The church Choir sang meaningful hymns to the risen Christ. Mass was also celebrated on Sunday, 8th April at 8am to observe Easter Sunday.

Throughout the Holy Week, Rev. Fr. Alwyn Sequeira helped the parishioners in glorifying our only saviour Jesus Christ along with Rev. Fr. Norbert Lobo.

The Holy week was also observed with devotion at St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel, Saverapura with Priests of CSSR, Redemptorist of Nithyadar Nivas, Alangar helping the people to perform rituals. Rev. Fr. Henry Fernandes celebrated the palm Sunday mass and the director, Rev. Fr. Eugene D’Silva celebrated Maunday Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Sunday masses.

 Report by: Wilson with inputs from Bro. Rohith D’Costa, St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore. Pictures by Alan