Moodubelle: Way of the Cross precedes the observance of Good Friday Liturgical Service

By Eugene Moodubelle
Pics by Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 29 Mar 2013: A large number of Moodubelle parishians  participated in one and a half hour long Way of the Cross prior to the Good Friday Liturgical Service on March 29, 2013. The Way of the Cross started at 3.30pm. After the opening prayer, the wooden cross carried by the representatives of different wards was taken to each of the stations beginning from the first station near the parish hall. Representatives of  each ward carried not only the cross but also recited the prayers appropriate to respective stations. Out of 14 stations, 11 were in the church compound.  The  12th station, the Death of Jesus on the Cross was at the top of the Cross Hill, 13th and 14th stations were on the way down from the Cross Hill. The entire Way of the Cross was animated by the representatives of different wards under the direction of Fr. Lancy Saldanha, assistant parish priest who coordinated the entire Way of the Cross.

Following the Way of the Cross, people entered the church for the Good Friday Liturgical Service. Fr. George D’Souza, Director of Codialbail Press was the chief celebrant accompanied  by Fr. Joswey Fernandes, Fr. Paul Sequeira, Fr. Lancy Saldanha, Fr. Maxim Pinto (OFM-Cap) and Fr. Dancy Martis(OFM-Cap) conducted the Good Friday Liturgy.

 

The Good Friday Liturgy was divided into four parts: the reading of the scriptures including the Passion of Jesus from the Gospel of St. John followed by homily; recitation of solemn prayers for different intentions; Veneration of the Cross; and the Holy Communion.
In his homily, Fr. George D’Souza examined the meaning and significance of the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ and said that the passion of Jesus had started since his conception in the womb of Virgin Mary  and continued not only till his death on the Cross but even after 2000 years of the event it continues even today in the sufferings of the marginalized and neglected and forsaken members of the families especially the old and infirm.

Following the special prayers for various intentions of the Church, the Crucifix was carried from the main entrance  and was unveiled on the way to the main altar. Thereafter the Crucifix was venerated by the priests followed by the faithful.

 After the Holy Communion, people dispersed and proceeded to their respective homes with silence meditating the Crucifixion and death of Jesus who will return on Saturday for the solemn Easter Vigil and celebration of the Resurrection of  Jesus Christ.