DOMINIC AND SYBIL AZAVEDO
Kolkata: The Easter Sunday Rally on 4th April 2021 from Bishop's College, Beck Bagan to St James School gave an opportunity once again after a gap of a year due to Corona virus to give witness to the people of Kolkata that Christians do believe in the Resurrection and that Christ lives even today. Thanks to the Calcutta Diocese of the (Church of North India (CNI) kit taking the initiative for the rally like other years. When the proposal to have the Easter Rally this year was taken to the leaders of the Churches, starting with Archbishop Thomas D'Souza of Calcutta, all were very enthusiastic. Of course, It was kept at a low key by organising it only from one point. Bishop's College to St. James' School Ground Instead of from the four points as was being done in the past years and saw to it that everyone was wearing a mask. Those who did not have, were given from the 200 kept for the purpose. At 4.30 pm.. the Rt Rev Bishop Paritosh Canning (CNI) started the procession with a prayer in Bengali at Bishop's College along with the parishioners of Christ the King Church.The enthusiasm and exuberance demonstrating the lay of the Risen Lord could he seen by the roadside and side buildings' people by the dancing, singing and shouting and by the nearly 100 placards made by the CNI. In the hands of the participants showing that the Lord has Risen and is alive even today (leads of Churches and Educational Institution were walling at St. James ground for the procession. Among the heads were Rev. Ivan Satyavrata, Senior Pastor of the Assembly of God Church; Rev. Abir Adhikari, Vice-President of the Calcutta Diocese. CNI: Archbishop Thomas D'Souza of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta; Pastor Asis Senate of Calinga Baptist Church; John Ghosh Secretary CNI Calcutta Diocese: Terence Ireland Principal of St. James' School: and Fr. Dominic Gomes. Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta and many others. The faithful were greeted by the beautiful singing and music of Rev. Nilav Kolay and his team at the Praise and Worship session. Rev. James Gomez, Vicar of St. James' Church, welcomed the congregation. Rev. Sukrit Roy said the Opening Prayer.
Archbishop Thomas In his short but inspiring speech said that the situation today of corona virus. elections. etc.. allows us to focus more on the Risen Lord. For one year, our churches were closed and worship in common was not held but God in his Providence has made us aware that we are together despite our handicaps and difficulties_ We have come today to express the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we do not have a large gathering,but we must remember what the Lord said that where two or three are there, He is there.What unites us is divine but what divides us is human. Jesus has destroyed death and he is now with us. Scripture Readings were done In Bengali by Sr. Suchitra Bodhak, in Hindi by Mr Baldev Kayak of the Salvation Army, and in English by Rev. Dr. JC Lalramnainam of the Mizo Synod Mission. Kolkata. Greetings were shared by Rev. Abir .Adhikari Vice president of the Calcutta Diocese CNI. he told the congregation that the backdrop lines on the stage were the inspirational lines from Rt Rev Bishop Paritosh Canning (CNI)
After Rev Ivan Satyavrata's greetings. Rev. Martin A. Pakhare who worked hard to organise and see to the smooth functioning of the evening programme, on behalf of the United Christians of Kolkata proposed the vote of thanks. Pastor Asis Sarkar said the Closing Prayer and gave the final Blessing. A word of thanks was specially given to Mr. Francis Ganpat. Secretary of the Ecumenical Commission of Calcutta Archdiocese, for getting all the Volunteers for the program and helping Rev Martin to see to the methodical movement of the events of the evening.
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