Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (KR)
Udupi, Apr 15: Good Friday marking the suffering and death of Jesus, was observed with great devotion by a multitude of faithful, at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur of the Udupi Diocese, on Friday, April 14.
The way of the cross was conducted inside the church. The veiled Cross was carried along the fourteen stations of the cross. The narration, meditation, lent hymns, and prayers were led by Fr Rolwin Aranha and the nuns. The Way of the Cross recounted the suffering of Jesus.
Christians all over the world observed Good Friday as part of the Paschal Triduum preceding Easter Sunday.
Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Fr Stany B Lobo rector of the cathedral, Fr Rolwin Aranha, Fr Prakash Anil Castelino, Fr Henry Mascarenhas, Fr Herald Mathias and Fr Nelson Furtado came in procession and prostrated in front of the bare altar. The initial scriptures were read. The Passion of the Christ was dramatised in a play by Fr Rolwin Aranha, which was enacted by Fr Stany B Lobo and Prajoth D’Sa.
Fr Henry Mascarenhas retold the story of 'salvation' wherein, "God spoke through prophets, then through other people and finally took the form of a human, to save man from the consequence of sin. Jesus performed the works of God. It changed people. Jesus died for people’s salvation," he said.
"Jesus knew his death on the cross was fast approaching. He told his disciples three times about his death. He carried the Cross fell under it, suffered severely, all for our salvation. Jesus brings us life. Cross is the sign of hope. Cross is the sign of love. Cross is the ladder to Heaven," he said.
Bishop Gerald and Fr Stany recited prayers for the various intentions of the church and interceded for the church, Pope, clergy and laity, those preparing for baptism, unity of Christians, for Jews, for those who do not believe in Christ, those who do not believe in God, for all in government service, and for those in special need.
The Bishop also prayed for water for the people who suffer due to drought.
Fr Prakash Anil Castelino brought the shrouded Crucifix to the main altar. The Bishop unveiled it in three phases. Priests and the faithful paid respect to the Crucifix.
Good Friday is an important event in the Christianity and is a culmination of a number of events in the Holy Week including Palm Sunday marking Jesus' triumphal return to Jerusalem, Maundy Thursday observing Jesus washing his disciples’ feet and His the last supper."
The liturgy was led by Feliciana Lewis, secretary of parish pastoral council.
After the Mass, a solemn procession was held, bearing the statue of Jesus on the streets of College Road and Kallianpur Road.
Christians prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. The Easter vigil will begin on Saturday, 7 pm at Milagres Cathedral. The Bishop of Udupi Diocese will be the principal celebrant.