Of sacrifices and celebration

March 31, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 08:19 am IST - CHENNAI:

Residents have given up a number of practices to mark Lent. A scene from Palm Sunday celebrations —Photo: G. Sribharath

Residents have given up a number of practices to mark Lent. A scene from Palm Sunday celebrations —Photo: G. Sribharath

Owing to a bout of illness a few months ago, former Corporation Councillor Mangal Raj has kept away from attending public functions. But, he is certainly looking forward to the organ, eye, blood and full body donation drive to be organised in Santhome this Good Friday.  

“This is innovative. Such programmes also promote social service,” he said. St. Vincent de Paul society in Santhome and Madras Voluntary Blood Bureau are organising the donation camp on April 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 .30 p.m. on the premises of Santhome Basilica. Forms are available with the security personnel at the entrance of the Tomb chapel in the Basilica.

Ironically, some residents who are yet to register for donating blood or organs are also reportedly convincing friends to take the pledge on organ donation, said a resident.

Even as Lent, a period of introspection and sacrifice among Christians, is set to culminate in Good Friday, and subsequently, the joyous festival of Easter, a number of residents talk about what they ‘gave up’ this season. 

From giving up eating non-vegetarian food to sweets, chocolates and watching movies, residents of the city claim a number of ‘favourites’ got struck off their lists of luxuries to mark Lent, believed to be annual commemoration of the passion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Egmore resident Dominic Rajkumar says he avoids meat, fish and eggs during the 40 days. “We spend less. We do not take food for two days a week and use that money to feed the poor. We cook food to serve the hungry. We also clean the church during Lent,” said Mr. Rajkumar.

After saving money by giving up certain practices, thousands of residents of the city irrespective of religion will throng the Sacred Heart Church, Egmore on Good Friday to feed the poor and distribute cash.

Pointing to such traditions in the city, Rev. Fr. Antony Pancras, the editor of the New Leader, said “Giving up alone is not enough. Lent actually is a moment to gain something rather than giving up. We should grow in the knowledge of love of God which is unconditional.”

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