Udupi: With fasting and daylong prayer services in churches, the district observed Good Friday, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Devotees congregated in large numbers in churches of various denominations across the district.
Among the key religious ceremonies listed for the day in churches is the ‘Way of the Cross’. The 14 stations on Christ’s Journey to Mount Calvary from Roman governor Pilate’s palace are re-enacted with worshipers moving to each station singing hymns as the story of the betrayal, arrest, trial and crucifixion of Christ is narrated by the priest.
Good Friday in the district started with the Way of the Cross in all the churches. Some of the churches like Pangla, Barkur, Kundapur, Sasthan, Kolalgiri and other held solemn processions, with a life-size statue of Jesus in prayerful worship.
In some churches of the district, parish members organised live enacting of the ‘Way of the Cross’ in the church premises.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, took part in the religious ceremony organised at the Milagres Cathedral Kallianpur. Fr Stany B Lobo Rector of the cathedral, Fr Rolwin, Fr Henry Mascarenhas, Fr Denis Lobo were present.
The solemn church liturgy on Good Friday included the dramatized reading of the ‘Passion of the Cross’ from the Gospel of St John, followed by the veneration of the Cross and finally the distribution of communion.
With the completion of Good Friday, Christians prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.