Solemn Good Friday Service at Mount Rosary Church, Santekatte

By Prof. Archibald Furtado
Pics by Praveen Cutinho
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi: As Christians across the globe solemnly remembered the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Mount Calvary, the faithful at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte – Kallianpur, gathered in large numbers at 4:00 p.m. for the Solemn Good Friday Service, commemorating the Passion and Crucifixion of the Lord.

 

The main altar, stripped of all ornaments and decorations, stood bare—symbolizing mourning and the sombreness of Christ’s suffering and death. In keeping with tradition, no entrance hymn or bell marked the beginning of the service. The celebrants, led by Rev. Fr Oliver Nazareth (Assistant Vicar and main celebrant), along with Parish Priest Rev. Dr Roque D’Souza, Guest priests Rev. Fr Ivan Madtha, and Rev. Fr Steevan Fernandes (Diocesan ICYM Director and former Assistant Vicar), entered in silence and prostrated before the altar, a gesture expressing deep sorrow and reverence.

The Liturgy of the Day was celebrated in four profound parts:

1. Proclamation of the Passion and Homily:

The narrative of Christ’s Passion was solemnly chanted by the choir, led by Vicar Rev. Dr Roque D’Souza, creating a meditative and moving atmosphere.

 

Renowned preacher Rev. Fr Ivan Madtha, in his stirring homily, reflected on the deep significance of the Cross—once a symbol of shame, now transformed into a beacon of hope and a proud identity for every Catholic. “The Cross of Jesus,” he said, “is like a lighthouse to navigators, a source of strength and salvation. There is no Christ without the Cross, and no Christian without it.”

 

2. Solemn Intercessory Prayers:

Fr Oliver Nazareth led the faithful in praying for the universal Church, world peace, and the various needs of humankind. Fr Steevan Fernandes thoughtfully explained each unique petition, invoking divine mercy and compassion upon all.

 

3. Veneration of the Holy Cross:

The unveiled and blessed Crucifix was presented to the congregation, who reverently venerated it as the symbol of our redemption. The Lenten offerings collected from the faithful were dedicated to the upkeep of the Holy Land and to support missions working to feed the hungry and provide healthcare around the world.

 

4. Reception of the Holy Eucharist:

Though Mass is not celebrated on Good Friday, Holy Communion consecrated on Maundy Thursday was distributed to the faithful, marking the conclusion of the solemn liturgy.

 

As the service ended around 6:00 p.m., the congregation dispersed in silence, carrying in their hearts the abundant graces and spiritual strength drawn from this sacred observance. Parish Priest Rev. Dr Roque D’Souza expressed heartfelt gratitude to all—clergy, choir, volunteers, and devotees—who contributed to making the service spiritually enriching and deeply meaningful.