Holy Week is the most sacred time of the year for the Christians. These are the days leading up to the great Easter Feast. The Lenten season of sacrifice is about to come to an end. The greatest focus of the week is the Passion (suffering) and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The Holy Week celebrations of Paladka church started with Palm Sunday celebration. The Parishioners gathered at the Anganvadi. The palm leaves were carried in a holy parade to the church people sang the customary Hymns with the Words Hosanna. Even the day Jesus was entered the Holy city of Jerusalem crowd shouted Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!. Then the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ivan Michael Rodrigues celebrated holy mass.

The Way of Cross to the Cross hill was conducted on 15 April. The Parishioners gathered in the Church at 4.00pm for the holy mass. This was followed by way of the Cross to the Cross hill. Each ward conducted a station each. More than 200 devotees attended the ceremony.

Maundy Thursday was celebrated with holy Eucharistic celebration at 5.00Pm. Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ivan Michael Rodrigues celebrated the mass. The last supper and washing of feet of Apostles remembered. Parish Priest washed the feet of Vice President, Secretary and 10 Gurkars/representatives. After the Eucharistic celebration parishioners joined adoration. Bread was distributed to all the devotees.

Good Friday ceremonies started with the way of the cross at 3.30pm. The Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ivan Michael Rodrigues delivered a meaningful homily with a focus on passion of Christ. More than 500 devotees took part in the ceremony.

Easter celebrations took place with great zeal and pomp. The Easter mass started at 7:00 pm and was celebrated and preached by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ivan Michael Rodrigues. Before the mass holy fire was blessed in front of the church. Then the Parish Priest prepared Easter candle. Parish Priest in his homily explained the symbols of Easter. After the mass Easter cake draw was conducted and all the devotees were served Biriyani.

Report by: Vincent Sequeira, Photos by: Felix D’Souza