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Mangaluru, Apr 26 : A condolence meet was held at Milagres Church grounds here on Tuesday April 23, 2019 to mourn the death of over 300 people in the serial bomb blasts that shook Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.

Hundreds of people gathered for the meet at 7 pm with lit candles. Msgr Maxim Noronha, the vicar general of the diocese of Mangaluru expressed his condolences to the neighbouring country and the families who lost their loved ones in one of the most shocking attacks. He expressed hope that all those who were killed in the terror attack live on as all of them believed in death and resurrection of Jesus.

It may be recalled that people killed in the explosion had gathered to celebrate Easter, the feast of the resurrection of Jesus.

"With his resurrection, Jesus has defeated death. Hence, all those who came with the belief that Jesus has risen from death and all those who trust him will also rise and can never perish. They too live on in the Lord," he said.

The people gathered stood in silence for two minutes and paid respect to the blast victims. Fr J B Crasta prayed for the souls of victims and the wounded.

Fr Valerian D’Souza, the parish priest of Milagres Church along with other priests, religious sisters participated in the prayer meet.

Fr Onil D’Souza, director of Saint Anthony’s Ashram, Jeppu welcomed the gathering.

In his vote of thanks M P Noronha, senior advocate and general secretary of diocesan pastoral council said that the terrorists have committed a heinous crime because of their defective erroneous psychology and all people have to pray to change their mindset.

"It was just yesterday night we decided to hold this prayer meet and within short notice large number of people have gathered here. I appreciate the concern of the people who attended this programme," he said.

He further added that this meet should inspire everyone to join together to pray for this noble cause. He specifically thanked bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha who had convened the prayer meeting and thanked vicar general Msgr Maxim Noronha who took leadership to organise the programme and console people with a meaningful message.