While Christians across India observed Good Friday, St. Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala raised concerns regarding the violence against Christians in Manipur and other parts of India during their Good Friday prayers.
Latin Catholic metropolitan Archbishop Thomas J Netto reflected upon the increasing violence against the Christian faith community, especially in Manipur, and the northern region of India, and said that they were being subjected to “cruelty and violence by dark forces”. He further alleged that there was no effective intervention against it by the authorities.
“So, there is a need to take steps against such evil powers,” he said, as PTI reported.
Auxiliary Bishop Mar Thomas Tharayil of the Archeparchy of Changanacherry within the Syro Malabar Catholic Church while giving prayers said that fear weakens individuals, making them easier to subjugate. He stressed that even if one person in a nation lives in fear, it should be considered a failure of the entire country.
Meanwhile, the Christian community in Kerala observed ‘Good Friday’ with traditional customs, abstaining from luxuries, and participating in special prayers in churches. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan in his message on the occasion said that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ “highlights the act of atonement for the sins of humanity in the true spirit of sacrifice”.
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On the other hand, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recalled Christ’s sacrifice as a symbol of liberation from exploitation and oppression, urging unity and love in facing challenges. Vijayan stressed collective efforts toward a future marked by equality and brotherhood.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and underscored the lessons of compassion and forgiveness it imparts.
“Today, on Good Friday, we remember the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ. May everyone find strength in the lessons of compassion and forgiveness it teaches us,” he wrote in a post on X.
Throughout the day, devotees gathered in churches to partake in rituals commemorating Jesus Christ’s suffering and crucifixion. ‘Way of the Cross’ processions were held, including in the Malayattoor hills, where devotees from various states, young and old, carried wooden crosses symbolizing Christ’s final moments.
Across Kerala, traditional Christian families observed ‘Good Friday’ as a day of prayer and penitence, eschewing worldly comforts to honor Christ’s suffering. Denominational barriers were set aside as churches united in observing this solemn occasion.