Shillong/New Delhi, Apr18: Christians in Meghalaya joined the rest of the world in remembering sacrifices of Jesus Christ on Good Friday that marks the crucifixion and death of the Messiah.
In churches throughout the state, special services were held with prayers and reflections offered on the sufferings and death of Jesus.
In Shillong, hundreds of faithful gathered at Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, one of the largest Catholic congregations in the state, to take part in the day’s solemn observances.
Churches across Garo Hills also commemorated the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a pivotal moment in Christian faith, with solemnity and reverence.
At Sacred Heart Church in Chandmari, Tura, the Catholic faithful took part in solemn services, while similar observances were held at the Tura Baptist Church in Mission Compound, where congregants participated in Bible readings, hymn singing, and prayers to mark the sacred day.
In Jowai, the Good Friday service was held at St Theresa’s Shrine Cathedral Church under Jowai Parish.
Earlier, chief minister Conrad Sangma urged the people to reflect on “true meaning of love” and wished “blessed Good Friday” to everyone through his post on X.
He wrote, “This Good Friday, let us reflect on the true meaning of love. May God’s sacrifice and Jesus’ unfailing love remind us that even in the face of immense suffering, hope and new life can emerge, and that God’s love is above all. Blessed Good Friday to everyone!”
Observed by all denominations of Christianity, Good Friday holds deep significance for the Catholic community. It is a day of mourning and penance, observed with quiet reflection, fasting, and prayers. It reminds the faithful of the ultimate act of love and sacrifice that Jesus made by dying on the Cross.
It also marks conclusion of the Stations of the Cross ritual that began at the start of Lent, 40 days ago.
The Catholic service traditionally begins with the Stations of the Cross — a devotional journey through 14 stops that depict key events in the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus. These stations, often set up along the walls of churches or outdoors as part of a walking pilgrimage, help believers meditate on the suffering of Christ and prepare spiritually for the joy of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Following the Stations of the Cross, a Holy Mass is held, although it is distinct from regular masses as no consecration of the Eucharist takes place on this day.
This is followed by the Rosary service and Novena prayers, where Catholics offer intercessory prayers and reflect on the sorrows of the Virgin Mary.
Good Friday in NE states
Christians across the country, including some Christian-majority states in North East, observed Good Friday with religious fervour while churches held special services and delivered sermons to mark and commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Good Friday was observed in several states, including Christian-majority Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland and states with substantial Christian populations, including Kerala, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju sent out messages on the occasion.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “On Good Friday, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This day inspires us to cherish kindness, compassion and always be large-hearted. May the spirit of peace and togetherness always prevail.”
Rijiju said in a post on X, “On this solemn day, I join everyone in remembering the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His life is a timeless call to serve with humility and embrace compassion in our everyday actions. #GoodFriday”
In Mizoram, all churches of different Christian denominations, including the Presbyterian Church and Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) held special services and delivered sermons related to the crucifixion of Christ.
Most local churches marked the occasion with traditional congregational singing or service locally known as “Zaikhawm or Lengkhawm”, which is an integral part of the celebration of important Christian days like Christmas, Good Friday and Easter Sunday for the Christian Mizos.
Respective Roman Catholic churches also organised mass and took out Good Friday processions locally known as “Kraws Kawngzawhna” in Aizawl, towns and villages, singing Christian hymns and preaching the gospel to commemorate the passion of Christ and reenactment of the stations of the Cross, which depict the events of Jesus’ journey to Calvary and crucifixion.
Christians across Nagaland observed Good Friday with fasting and special prayer services in churches. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said Jesus Christ gave his life on the cross to redeem humanity.
“His selfless act of love offers us forgiveness, unmerited grace and the hope of new and eternal life for all who believe in Him,” Rio wrote on X.
Christians offered prayers during Good Friday mass at several churches in Delhi, including the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church.
In Lucknow and Kanpur, Christian community members re-enacted the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday.
West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee greeted the people on the day.
“May this Good Friday bring you peace, reflection, and renewal. May the resurrection of Jesus bring hope and joy to your heart. May the spirit of sacrifice and selflessness guide us in our journey,” Bose said, according to a statement released by the Raj Bhavan.
The chief minister in a post on X said, “Good Friday is a day of penance, prayer and sacrifice. May all my Christian brothers and sisters have a blessed day.”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu approved Rs 30 crore in honoraria for 8,427 pastors for seven months, the government said. The honoraria, amounting to Rs 35,000 for each pastor, cover the months from May to November 2024, according to an official release.
The release also noted that the Andhra Pradesh government announced this decision on the eve of Good Friday, calling it “good news for pastors.”
The Munambam issue, the ASHA workers protesting for higher honorarium and menace posed by drug mafias found mention in the special prayers on the occasion of ‘Good Friday’ at various Catholic Churches in Kerala.
The Munambam residents, majority of them Christians, have been agitating for the past several months against the Waqf Board’s allegedly unlawful claim on their land and properties, despite them having registered deeds and land tax payment receipts.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Good Friday urged people to take inspiration from the values and ideals of Jesus Christ that inspire people to cherish compassion and kindness.
“Lord Jesus sacrificed his life by giving the message of love, kindness, sacrifice, dedication and humanity. This day of Good Friday gives us the message of love, forgiveness and compassion,” Soren posted on X.
“Let us move forward by taking inspiration from the values and ideals of Lord Jesus on this holy day,” he added.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged people to honour the values of sacrifice, compassion and selfless service while observing Good Friday.
“Let us honour the values of sacrifice, compassion, and selfless service. May the day inspire us to uphold peace, empathy and humanity,” the CM said in a message on X.
(With inputs from PTI)
