Christians across the Southland will observe Good Friday Friday, marking the day Jesus Christ was crucified.
The solemn day, one of the most significant observances in the Christian calendar, is traditionally commemorated with prayer, fasting and reflection on the suffering and death of Jesus.
Many churches will hold services featuring the Stations of the Cross, a devotion that traces Jesus’ path to his crucifixion in Jerusalem. In some parishes, worshippers will also take part in the veneration of the cross, spending time in prayer before a wooden cross.
At the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Archbishop José H. Gomez is scheduled to preside over the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at noon.
The liturgy will include a reading of the Passion from the Gospel of John. The faithful will also have an opportunity to venerate the cross.
“This is a moment for us to really reflect on the mystery of our redemption — the mystery of God’s love for us, Jesus carried his cross for us and he died for us,” Gomez said on the LA Catholics website.
The service will be livestreamed at youtube.com/user/olacathedral.
Good Friday is the only day of the year in the Roman Catholic Church when Mass is not celebrated.