Good Friday, the day on which Jesus Christ was crucified, is being observed today across the country. Prayers and masses were also organised in the Churches and Chapels. The priests narrate the sufferings that Jesus Christ took upon himself for the sake of humanity.
In Goa, Kerala, large number of devotees gathered at the churches across the state, where special prayers were held to mark the day. Stations of Cross processions were taken out at several places with devotees bearing wooden crosses, depicting the final hours of Jesus Christ.
In Nagaland, since morning, people belonging to various Christian dominations thronged churches to take part in the solemn service. In the State Capital Kohima, believers congregated in large numbers in Churches of various denominations and priests and preachers delivered sermons related to the torture and death of Jesus Christ.
Special services are being organised in the afternoon, usually around midday to 3 pm in the evening, to remember the hours when Jesus was hung on the cross. Also, in many churches the worshipers will partake in the Lord’s Supper to remember the blood of Christ that was shed for mankind.
Shops remained closed while streets were empty. Good Friday marks the most important day of the season of Lent, when the faithful shun all worldly comforts and lead a frugal life to gain spiritual strength.
In Tamil Nadu, special communion is held in many churches including Tiruchiraplli, Tirunelveli, Nagapattinam. Holy Communion and veneration of cross will be held at world famous Velankanni Shrine in Tamil Nadu today evening. Pilgrims from Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and Maharashtra have thronged Velankanni.There will be a holy procession of body of Jesus to Lower Basilica in the night. The holy cross kept in church has been wrapped by a shroud and will be removed only tomorrow midnight. Special musical programmes depicting biblical themes will be played at the Velankanni church premises tonight.