There are a lot of questions that may linger in our minds, perhaps one would be, why call it “Good”? Today is a solemn day of fasting and mourning, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
Why do we call the day of Christ’s death “Good”?
It may seem a contradiction to label a day of such suffering as “good,” but for us Catholics, the goodness lies in the result of the sacrifice. It is the day that death was conquered by death. Through His ultimate act of love, the gates of salvation were opened, turning a moment of worldly defeat into the greatest victory for humanity.
What is the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion?
The celebration of the Lord’s Passion takes place on the afternoon of this day, at about three o’clock (unless a later hour is chosen for a pastoral reason). The celebration of the Lord’s Passion consists of three parts, namely, the Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.
Why do priests prostrate before the Good Friday service?
You may have noticed priests prostrating before the altar at the beginning of the Good Friday service. This act of prostration is a sign of deep sorrow and total humility, demonstrating the Church’s mourning over the death of Jesus. It is one of the rare instances this gesture is used in the liturgy, with the other primary occasion being during Ordination ceremonies.
“After making a reverence to the altar, [they] prostrate themselves or, if appropriate, kneel and pray in silence for a while. All others kneel” (Rubrics for Good Friday, no. 5). The “Circular Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts” describes the significance of this action as “the abasement of ‘earthly man’ and also the grief and sorrow of the Church” (no. 65).
Why are there many intercessions during the Good Friday liturgy?
For the Solemn Intercessions, it comes down to us in a form derived from ancient tradition and they reflect the full range of intentions. These are not typical “Prayers of the Faithful”; they are a comprehensive series of ten petitions that cover the needs of the entire world, reflecting the universal reach of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary.
In case of serious public need, the diocesan Bishop may either permit or decree the addition of a special intention (Rubrics for Good Friday, no. 13).
What is the Veneration of the Cross?
The Cross is the central feature of today’s observance and a fundamental element of the Good Friday liturgy. The practice of the Veneration of the Cross is a tradition that likely dates back to fourth-century Jerusalem, where the faithful gathered to honor the wood of the true Cross.
During the service, the priest enters in procession through the church bearing a veiled wooden cross. As he advances toward the altar, he progressively uncovers the image in three stages, chanting, “Behold the wood of the Cross, on which hung the salvation of the world.”
Once reaching the sanctuary, the Cross is placed in a position of honor. The celebrants and each member of the faithful are then invited to approach and venerate it (typically through a kiss, a bow, or a genuflection) as a personal act of gratitude for Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
Collections made during the Veneration of the Cross are done for the cause of the Holy Land (Terra Sancta).
This tradition is not merely a local practice but a universal mandate from the Holy See, which has entrusted the Custody of the Holy Land (the Franciscans) with the care of the sacred sites for over 800 years.
The procession of the Santo Entierro and the Via Matris
As the sun begins to set on this day of silence, the community gathers for the Funeral Procession. The faithful follow the quiet, mournful procession featuring the Santo Entierro (Dead Christ), accompanied by the Mater Dolorosa (Sorrowful Mother) and other saints related to the Passion.
As the silence of the tomb settles over the earth, the faithful gather once more for the Via Matris. This late-night procession is uniquely characterized by a route that is often different or even reversed from the earlier afternoon procession.
It is traditionally believed that Mary, in her immense grief, is retracing the steps of her Son’s Passion—returning from the sepulchre to Calvary, and finally back to her home. This walk allows us to accompany the Mater Dolorosa (Sorrowful Mother) in her Soledad (Solitude).
It invites us to stand with the Mother of God in the Great Silence of Holy Saturday, sharing in her steadfast faith and quiet hope as she awaits the fulfillment of her Son’s promise: the Resurrection.
As we venerate the Wood of the Cross today, we are challenged to look at our own lives: In what ways can we carry our own crosses with the same trust and love that Christ showed on Calvary?