PANJIM/MARGAO: Catholics in Goa observed Good Friday with solemnity, fasting, penance, and acts of charity, marking the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death at Calvary. Considered among the holiest days in the Catholic calendar, Good Friday, along with Maundy Thursday, Holy Saturday, and Easter, holds profound significance in Christian faith, symbolising the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The solemn commemoration of Good Friday at Se Cathedral, Old Goa featured the traditional procession of Canons following the body of Jesus, after it was brought down from the Cross and blessed by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao.
Across the State capital, the faithful gathered at various churches, including the Mary Immaculate Church in Panjim, St Inez Church, St Michael’s Church in Taleigao, St Peter’s Church in Caranzalem, and the Don Bosco Shrine in Panjim, to participate in the solemn Good Friday services. Liturgy of the Word and Prayers and Petitions; the unveiling of the crucified Christ and kissing of feet of Christ; and the Communion service.
At Mary Immaculate Church in Panjim, a life-sized replica of the crucified Christ was solemnly taken down from the cross and carried in procession around the Church square in a casket, adhering to a longstanding tradition.
At St Inez, church-goers were hindered due to the Smart City works which have not been completed as promised. Worshippers had to leave their vehicles near the Government quarters-St Inez, on the Taleigao side, or at the St Inez Junction from the Panjim-side, and walk around the heavy machinery, navigating through mud and water.
In South Goa, the solemn occasion was observed with devotion at the Monte Hill Chapel of Our Lady of Piety, Holy Spirit Church, and Rosary Church in Navelim, among others. Parishioners congregated to offer prayers, observe fasts, and participate in processions depicting the stations of the cross, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Members of various Christian denominations, including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Oriental Orthodox, and Protestant traditions, observed Good Friday with fasting, prayer, and church services, reflecting on the significance of the day in Christian theology.
