On a simple path

The Christian community in the city is all set to observe ‘Good Friday’ today. Most churches in the city are holding services throughout the day and people are expected to take time off their busy schedule and spend a better part of the day in church.

The week before ‘Good Friday’ is called the ‘Passion Week’ and that’s when people make their food austere, abstain from eating meat and indulging in luxuries of any sort. While some observe a fast on ‘Good Friday’, others simply subsist on hot cross buns and lime juice.

Catholics, Protestants, Jacobites and those from every other Christian sect attend a three-hour church service. Traditionally, no bells are rung on ‘Good Friday’ and ‘Holy Saturday’ till the ‘Easter’ vigil. The ‘Station of the Cross’ and ‘The Crucifixion of Christ’ are an integral part of the church service. Both the old and the young make sure that they follow the tradition that has been practised for generations.

Elsy G, who is in her 60s, doesn’t remember missing a single day at church on ‘Good Friday’. “It is a day of fasting and abstinence. I start my day at church and most of the time is spent in prayer. Children are taught the significance and importance of this day and we eat only one meal during the day,” says Elsy.

Others like B D J Paul observe that the church is packed on ‘Good Friday’. “Even those who don’t regularly go to the church make it a point to attend the mass on Good Friday. And it’s not just the older folks, I’ve also seen youngsters reinforcing their faith and belief on this day. It shows that youngsters too respect and follow the tradition.”

Kiran Paul, a businessman, says that he stays away from partying and eating meat during this time. “It is a time to be disciplined and understand the importance of this day. Most people don’t do anything extravagant on ‘Good Friday’,” adds Kiran. 

Youngsters like Angela Pratiksha Menezes, a student of Christ University, spend a better part of their time during the Lent season in introspection and prayer. “We lead such fast-paced lives that it is almost impossible to spend some time quietly reflecting on oneself. This Lent season, I’ve skipped a few meals, breakfast or lunch, and I’ve also given up watching my favourite television shows. The quiet time that I spend in prayer has given me strength and courage to face tough situations,” says Angela.

There are a few people like Reeth Abraham, an athlete and former national champion, who doesn’t fast during this season because she always eats in moderation. “I don’t believe in giving up something for three months or even in making any resolutions for new year. I think it is more important to be a good human being and not harm anybody, either by way of words or action. I believe in making people around me happy,” says Reeth.   

Infant Jesus Shrine
Way of the Cross- 6 am to 10.30 am.
Mass in all languages - 3 pm to 6 pm
Logos Retreat Centre
Way of the Cross- 7 am onwards. 
St Mark’s Cathedral
Children’s service at 9.30 am.
English service at 12 noon.