Archbishop Jose H. Gomez will celebrate the Good Friday liturgy at noon Friday at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles.
Good Friday is the day Christians throughout the world commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. During the solemn liturgy, Gomez will carry a cross into the cathedral, recalling how Jesus carried a cross along the Via Dolorosa, the “Way of Suffering,” on his way to being crucified.
Special prayers will be offered for the needs of the church and the world, and the cross will be venerated. Holy Communion will then be distributed to the faithful.
The Mass will be streamed live on the cathedral’s website, www.olacathedral.org/live/index.html
“During Holy Week, we see Our Lord suffering because of his love for God,” Gomez said. “Let’s reflect on his final Beatitude: `Blessed are those who are persecuted.’ We don’t face our trials alone. We go with Jesus, who carries his Cross before us and gives us strength and courage in our weakness.”