Udupi: Good Friday also called Holy Friday was observed at the Milagres Cathedral of Udupi Diocese at Kallianpur on Friday, 25th March, 2016. The Holy Friday evening started with Way of the Cross led by Rev Fr. Denis Lobo, Director of Pilar Fathers at 3.30 pm. Followed by Good Friday services held with Bishop His Lordship Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo along with Very Rev Fr. Stany B. Lobo Rector of Cathedral, Rev Fr. Rolwin Aranha, Asst. Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Denis Lobo and Rev Fr. Henry Mascarenhas Estate Manager of Udupi Diocese.

The Good Friday Liturgy was divided into four parts: the reading of scriptures, including the Passion of Jesus from the Gospel which read by Fr. Stany Lobo, Deacon Denis Miranda and Br. Prajoth D’Sa followed by a homily by Bishop. Later followed the recitation of solemn prayers for different intentions; Veneration of the Cross; and the Holy Communion.

In his homily, Bishop outlined regarding the forgiveness and mercy. He said forgiveness is the ministry and is not just what the world needs; forgiveness is what changes the world. God forgives us because He delights in showing mercy. If we do not forgive those what harms us, God will not forgive us. It will be not easy to forgive rather forget. Mahatma Gandhiji said forgiving others is not weak, but it will be strong, Bishop quoted. Bishop has given several instances of Jesus who forgiven trespassers. Bishop also recapped the forgiveness of Pope John Paul, who forgiven Mohd Agca and other instances which happened in India. If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

The part two is the Veneration of the Cross. A Cross either veiled or unveiled is processed through the Church, and then venerated by the Congregation. We joyfully venerate and kiss the wooden Cross “which hung the Savior of the world”. During this time the Reproaches are usually sung or recited.

Part three, Holy Communion, concludes the celebration of the Lord’s Passion. The altar is covered with a cloth and the ciborium’s containing the Blessed Sacrament are brought to the altar from the place of reposition. The Our Father in heaven prayer of Jesus recited. The congregation receives Holy Communion; there is a Prayer after Holy Communion and then a Prayer Over the people.

After the Good Friday services, the solemn procession with the statue of Jesus around the street of College road and Kallianpur main street held with larger number of faithful with huge procession. Youths were helped to carry the statue of the Jesus Christ, who laid in wooden career. The liturgy was compered by Br. Percy D’Souza.

All over the world Christians prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, which Easter Vagil begins at the Milagres Cathedral on Saturday, 26th March, 2016 at 7 p.m. in the evening.