United in faith: Parishioners contemplating the Passion of Christ during the Stations of the Cross prayers at St Thomas’ Cathedral in Kuching on Good Friday. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE /The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Christians nationwide observed Good Friday in solemn tradition as they came together to mark one of the holiest days in their religious calendar.
Some 500 parishioners filled the pews of the Church of the Assumption to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
The service was led by Assistant Parish Priest Father Desmond Jansen and Deacon Paul Kang.
Strong devotion: Parishioners attending the Good Friday service at the Church of the Assumption, Farquhar Street in George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
The noon service was packed despite the afternoon heat.
The veneration of the cross formed the emotional climax of the service. As the altar servers stood solemnly by, Father Desmond unveiled the crucifix, a symbolic act signifying Christ’s victory over sin and a sign of salvation for believers.
Good Friday is part of the Easter Triduum – three holy days that begin with Holy Thursday and end with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, culminating in the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The mass included the veneration of the cross, where congregants expressed reverence by bowing or touching the crucifix – an act symbolising faith in Christ’s triumph over death and his sacrifice for humanity.
At the Pro-Cathedral of St George the Martyr, some 200 worshippers attended the midday Good Friday service.
The church’s Lay Reader and People’s Warden Jaya Paul said the service featured a special series of meditations on the “Seven Last Words”, the final phrases spoken by Jesus as he hung on the cross.
Parishioner George Dass, 50, said he has never missed a Good Friday service.
“This is the time where we reflect on how Jesus sacrificed himself for our sins,” he said.
Dass, who runs a grocery shop in Ayer Itam, said he was heartened to see the turnout.
“It shows that even in a fast-paced and digital world, people still hold on to their beliefs,” he said.
In KOTA KINABALU, thousands of congregants gathered at the St Thomas Catholic Church in Kepayan despite the sweltering heat.
Congregants came prepared with umbrellas, foldable chairs and portable mini fans – both traditional handheld and battery-powered – to stay cool throughout the service.
Some took shelter under tents set up by the church, while others stood in the open, umbrellas in hand, quietly participating in the solemn prayers and readings commemorating the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
One of the congregants, Terisah Batalis, 73, had an early start.
“I came early because I am part of the St Thomas Women’s League.
“There was much to prepare, as we anticipated a large crowd, as we do every Good Friday,” said Batalis.
In KUCHING, Christians flocked to churches across the city to observe Good Friday.
At St Thomas Cathedral, services were held in English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia, followed by the Stations of the Cross at noon and prayers at 3pm.
The Good Friday service followed the Maundy Thursday service, which ended with the stripping of the altar – a symbolic act of removing all ornaments and linens from the altar to prepare the church for Good Friday.
The stripping of the altar represents the humiliation and barrenness of the cross, reminding worshippers of Christ’s suffering and death.
Good Friday is a public holiday in Sarawak.
St Thomas Cathedral will hold a Great Easter Vigil today at 9pm, which will include a procession and blessing of the Easter garden.
Mass for Easter tomorrow will be held in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Iban.
