Christian Faithful Gather for Good Friday Liturgy at Holy Cross Church, Cordel
Mangaluru: The Christian community in Mangaluru solemnly commemorated Good Friday on April 3, with devout observances held across all parishes within the diocese. The day, marked by reflection on the passion and death of Jesus Christ, saw significant participation in liturgical services.
At Holy Cross Church, Cordel, the Good Friday liturgy was led by Parish Priest Fr Clifford Fernandes, who guided the congregation in prayerful worship. A central element of the service was the Gospel reading from St. John, delivered in a solemn, sung intonation, which formed the initial part of the proceedings. The Passion of Christ was proclaimed by Fr. Denzil Lobo, accompanied by other priests, adding to the unveiling and veneration of the Cross.
The second part of the service focused on the unveiling and veneration of the Cross. Fr. Clifford Fernandes reverently unveiled the Cross step by step, inviting the assembled faithful to contemplate the profound sacrifice of Christ. This act of veneration served as a focal point for personal reflection and communal solidarity.
In his homily, Resident Priest Fr. Denzil Lobo provided a thoughtful reflection on the enduring relevance of Good Friday in the contemporary world. He emphasized that the passion of Christ transcends its historical context of 2,000 years ago, asserting that it remains a vibrant and relevant reality that calls for both introspection and personal transformation.
Fr. Lobo challenged the congregation to engage in self-examination, urging them to look inward rather than assigning blame to external factors. “When we recall the suffering of Jesus, we often attribute it to figures like Pontius Pilate and others. But today, we must ask ourselves—where do we stand? Are we contributing to the suffering of others?” he questioned.
He further elucidated how societal ills such as selfishness, the relentless pursuit of power, and pervasive social divisions persist in modern society. Drawing a parallel to Pontius Pilate, Fr. Lobo observed that similar attitudes are still prevalent within families and communities, where individuals sometimes prioritize personal gain over the principles of truth and justice.
Fr. Lobo concluded his homily with a call to the faithful, urging them to seek renewal and transformation through repentance and confession. This appeal served as a poignant reminder of the spiritual significance of Good Friday and its potential to inspire positive change.
Following the Good Friday service, a symbolic lowering of Jesus Christ from the Cross took place, followed by a solemn procession. This act served as a powerful visual representation of the events of Good Friday, reinforcing the day’s themes of sacrifice, redemption, and hope.
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