MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2024
The auspicious celebration of Good Friday was observed at Monte Hill Chapel of Our Lady of Piety or Monte Nossa Senhora de Piedade, in Margao with great fervour and devotion. People from all over Margao offered prayers on Good Friday and sought blessing from the almighty Lord.
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary and is regarded as one of the most important religious events among Christians. This day is of great importance in Christian theology, for it marks the start of the Passion of Christ and precedes the celebration of Easter Sunday, which is a symbol of his resurrection.
Good Friday also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday or Black Friday, the festival is preceded by Maundy Thursday and followed by Holy Saturday. The solemn occasion of Good Friday is being marked by prayers and processions depicting the 'stations of the cross' across the nation. The Monte Hill Chapel of Our Lady of Piety or Monte Nossa Senhora de Piedade held special services to mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, while parishioners observed fast and abstinence. The parishioners later lined up to kiss the statues.
As the world celebrates Good Friday, India, a country that embraces all religions in unity celebrates the occasion with zest and zeal. In India, Northeastern states and Southern states practice Christianity more compared to other states. In Kerala, devotees carry wooden crosses depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ during the procession held in churches across the state on the day. Whereas in Northeastern states, Good Friday is observed with prayers, fasting and almsgiving. Many people attend religious services, and churches hold special rituals to commemorate Jesus' suffering.
