Churches observe Good Friday with processions, prayers
Times of India | 19 April 2025
1234 Kolkata: Churches across Kolkata observed Good Friday with solemn processions, heartfelt prayers, and spiritual reflection.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee shared her Good Friday message on X. "Good Friday is a day of penance, prayer, and sacrifice. May all my Christian brothers and sisters have a blessed day."
In the morning, parishioners visited different churches on foot, offering prayers and reflecting on Christ's suffering. In the evening, many of them congregated in churches to participate in special prayer services.
"We began our Good Friday observance with the Seven Church Walk. In the afternoon, we held the Stations of the Cross, followed by the Passion readings and a homily. The Veneration of the Cross then took place, with the crucifix unveiled to the right, left, and centre, allowing the faithful to come forward and kiss it. We concluded with a Communion service using the consecrated host from Holy Thursday. It is a deeply solemn and spiritual day for our community," said Father Peppin Gnana of Sacred Heart Church.
At St Teresa's Church, around 2,000 parishioners came together for Good Friday observance. The day began with the Way of the Cross, taken onto the streets as parishioners carried the cross around the church grounds, reflecting deeply on Christ's journey to Calvary. "We sat before the Blessed Sacrament in silence — to be with God, to be present in His suffering. At 1 pm, the Rosary retraced Jesus' walk to Calvary with Mother Mary. At 3 pm, another Way of the Cross procession commenced on the church premises," said Father Oscar Daniel SJ. Prayers were offered for the church, its leaders, and the world, and communion was distributed as the ‘thread of life' to conclude the service. The congregation also demonstrated heartfelt generosity, donating buns, juice and biscuits to all in attendance.
"Our Celebration of Life service began at 7 am with a reflection on the Seven Words from the Cross. The service continued from 12 to 3.30 pm — a time of deep devotion. Even children and the unwell remained patient, listening intently before breaking their fast," said Reverend VV Gain of St James' Church (CNI), Kolkata.
"Our Good Friday service was a time of solemn reflection, filled with praise and worship as we meditated on Christ's sacrifice. We focused on the significance of the seven saints connected to this holy day. While we didn't hold processions or special walks, it was a deeply spiritual gathering. We now look forward to Easter Sunday, where we will celebrate the resurrection," said Rev Sourav Roy of Osmond Memorial Church.
"We conducted the Stations of the Cross with a large cross carried by one of the parents, accompanied by men, women and children. We sang hymns, chanted prayers, and recited the Rosary. In our church, we held the Adoration, signifying the presence of Jesus among us. A walk was held from one gate of the church to the other, carrying the statue of Jesus Christ on the shoulders of 6 to 8 people," said Father Dipak Gomes, Lord Jesus Church.