GOOD FRIDAY.

 Around the world on this day, no Holy Mass is celebrated in any church or oratory(chapel). This is in remembrance of Christ who was arrested last night; led to the Sanhedrin, Chief Priest and Governor; conde,ned and led to his crucifixion. At about 3 O’clock in the afternoon (supposed time of Christ’s crucufixion) the faithful gather at the church to recall Christ’s way of the cross and eventual crucifixion at Calvary. Later, the faithful gather to celebrate the passion and Death of our Lord. This evening’s liturgy of the includes: Liturgy of the Word, The Veneration of the Cross, and Holy communion. 

This day’s ceremony  begins with the priest’s wearing red vestment and coming from the back of the church, prostrates before the alter (signifying Christ’s total submission to the will of his father), that is, to suffer and to die for our sins. On getting up, the priest says a short prayer without the usual Introductory Rites. Then, the liturgy of the Word begins. 

Liturgy of the word consists of First Reading, Second Reading and Passion narrative. On Palm (Passion) Sunday, the passion narrative is read according to the liturgical year circle, Year 1, Year 2 or Year 3 (or, Year A,B, or C). In Year 1(A), the passion narrative is taken from the gospel of Mathew, Year 2 (B) from Mark’s gospel and Year 3(C) from Luke’s gospel. But, on every Good Friday the Passion narrative is taken from St. John’s gospel because it has a theological narrative. General Intercessions conclude the liturgy of the Word. We observe that these intercessions include prayers for various people, Christians and non Christians. This is because Christ not only prayed for his followers but also for those who would come to believe in him through the teachings of his disciples, and for the unity of all mankind (Jn 17 :20-21). 

Next is the Veneration of the cross. We venerate the cross because our salvation was won on the cross. We preserve in a special way emblems that remind us of our achievements, how much more the cross that brought us salvation? If we kiss the pictures of our dear ones, why can’t we kiss the cross that freed us from evalasting death? Or do we still need the bible to prove that Christ brought us salvation through the cross?

Holy communion from yesterday’s consecrated host is then distributed to the faithful. Alter cloth and candles are placed on the alter just for the distribution of Holy Communion. After communion and post communion prayers, the faithful leave the church quietly and there is no dismissal blessing because Christ our Lord is resting in the tomb. Again, this celebration is part of Easter Triduum. Then, the alter is stripped again.  

Dike Patrickmary.