Amid disappointments or even tragedies in life, one should not lose hope.
Archbishop Thomas D' Souza urged all to be "people of hope" citing the resurrection of Jesus.
The archbishop was addressing a crowd of 500-odd pastors, nuns and others at the end of Easter Rally at the St James' School ground on Sunday evening.
"...in our life, we also have our fears. We live every day in a variety of fears, connected with our life, situation, society around, our country, the politics and so many other events that take place. They may bring about a fear within us. But today is a day when Jesus says do not be afraid. I am alive. I walk with you, I talk with you and I am within you," said Reverend Thomas D'Souza.
He said with Jesus' assurance, all fears have gone.
"For us, too, in the midst of our disappointments, sad stories of life, even tragedies, we do not lose hope. We are not people in despair but we are people of hope. Because the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ has made it possible for us," the archbishop said.
The Easter Rally, which had participants from churches of different denominations, originated from three locations — Sacred Heart Church in Dharmatala, Baptist Church in Entally and a teachers' training college off AJC Bose Road.
Those who joined the rally sang hymns as they marched to St James' School.
At the end of the march, the archbishop said the march proclaimed to the people around: "Jesus is risen. He is alive."
The Easter Rally, by the United Christians of Kolkata, had representatives from the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Calcutta, Calcutta diocese of the Church of North India, Methodist Church, Assembly of God Church and Baptist Church, among other denominations of the faith.
Reverend Paritosh Canning, bishop of the Calcutta diocese of the Church of North India, gave his Easter greetings to the crowd. "This Easter will give you new strength and hope to restart your daily life," said the bishop.
The vicar general of the archdiocese of Calcutta, Father Dominic Gomes, said several meetings were held in the run-up to Easter to plan the Easter Rally.
Easter services were also held at several churches in Kolkata on Sunday.
At St Paul's Cathedral, worshippers and visitors gathered for the Easter Service on Sunday morning.
