Pics: Justin D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru/Udupi
Mangaluru/Udupi Apr 15: Christians across Mangaluru and Udupi diocese observed Good Friday on April 15 to commemorate the Passion of the Christ and his death on the Cross.
The cities and also other places of the diocese observed Good Friday with devotion.
After two years of Covid restrictions, the Cathedral and other churches in Mangalore were seen fully packed with people for the Good Friday Ceremony.
Rosario Cathedral, Mangaluru
St Sebastian Church, Permannur
Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur
Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangaluru led the evening ceremony in Our Lady Rosary Cathedral, Rosario on April 15.
People participated in great numbers to take part in the passion of the Lord and adore the Holy Cross.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha shared his reflections on the Holy Cross. He said, "We, Christians celebrate the death of our Lord Jesus, for we are redeemed by it. Jesus has saved us from the sin and death by shedding his body and blood on the Cross. The death of Jesus has offered us new life with Him in heaven."
As part of the liturgy, there was no celebration of Holy Mass. Bishop prayed the solemn intercessions. The adoration of the Holy Cross was held and faithful paid due respect and reverence to the Holy Cross.
A meaningful reflection on the Holy Cross was delivered by Fr Victor D'Souza, principal, Rosario PU College in city.
He said, "There is no Christianity without Cross and there is no Cross without Christ. Cross is the identity of all Christians. It is the symbol of great love and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus."
The solemn ceremony of lowering the body of Jesus from the Holy Cross was held with great devotion and reverence. Faithful took part in the procession of the relic of body of Jesus.
Fr Alfred J Pinto, rector of the cathedral, Fr Vinod Lobo, assistant parish priest, Fr Anil Fernandes, director, Canara Communication Centre were present.
Earlier in the day, thousands of devotees flocked to their respective churches early in the morning to participate in the Good Friday service which started with Way of the Cross.
Good Friday service at other churches: