Thousands of Christians have today morning taken part in the prayerful procession, trekking the Way of the Cross commemorating the journey of Jesus carrying the cross to Calvary for his execution. Christians from Rushoroza Cathedral Parish and parts of Kabale town carried crosses as they commemorated the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday.
While giving remarks shortly before the commencement of the way of the cross procession, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese urged Christians to embrace sacrifice, compassion and faith in the midst of life’s suffering.
Good Friday is not merely a historical remembrance of suffering; it is a profound encounter with unconditional love. When we look upon the crucifix, we see the height, depth and breadth of God’s love for humanity – Bishop Callist Rubaramira.
Bishop Rubaramira urged the faithful to spend the day in quiet reflection, prayer and gratitude as they await the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. He also reminded Christians that Jesus willingly chose the path of obedience and sacrifice, transforming the cross from an instrument of torture into what he described as a “tree of life.”
“He did not flee from suffering but embraced it, taking upon himself the weight of our brokenness, injustices and sins” he said.
Bishop Rubaramira also encouraged believers to entrust their personal struggles to Christ, noting that many people today face hardships including sickness, grief and failure.
“In our own lives we know the weight of the cross. Today I ask you to bring these burdens to the foot of the cross and know that you do not carry them alone. Jesus is with us in our suffering and through His sacrifice He offers us the hope of redemption” he told the Congregation.
He further challenged Christians to extend love and compassion to others, saying the message of Good Friday calls believers to become instruments of peace, forgiveness and healing in society.
Trekking the Way of the Cross was followed by celebration of the Lord’s Passion in Rushoroza Cathedral in the afternoon, presided over by Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, Vicar General of Kabale Diocese.
The celebration started with the main celebrant together with concelebrants lying prostrate on the floor as a profound expression of humility and sorrow, reflecting the gravity of Christ’s crucifixion.
This posture, known as prostration, symbolizes the Church’s mourning for Jesus’ suffering and death. By lying face down, the priest acknowledges the weight of sin and the need for repentance, embodying a deep reverence for the sacrifice made on this solemn day.
The silence that accompanies this act is significant; it serves as a moment of reflection and acknowledgment of the seriousness of the occasion. Just as one might feel overwhelmed by grief in the face of loss, the Church collectively experiences this moment of mourning, emphasizing the importance of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity.
In essence, the priest’s prostration is not merely a ritualistic gesture but a heartfelt response to the profound sorrow of Good Friday, inviting the congregation to join in this moment of humility and reverence.
While giving the homily during the afternoon celebration of the Passion of Christ, Fr. Austen Christmas, parish priest of Rushoroza Cathedral Parish said that all the altars worldwide are stripped of their linens, the tabernacles are empty, showing the emptiness of the church when Christ is absent sacramentally.
Fr. Austen noted that Good Friday reminds Christians that they are not alone in their struggles, but with the Lord. “Sometimes we pray and think the heavens are silent or closed. But God is in your sorrows as he walked with his son up to the end. He is working a deeper way beyond imagination,” said Fr. Austen.
He called of the Christians not to allow suffering to turn their heart into bitterness, but let it lead them to deeper trust in the Lord and forgiveness of one another.
He implored them to support one another for no one should carry the cross alone but emulate the example of Simon of Cyrene who helped carry the cross of Jesus and always seek the intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary who was given to us by Jesus as our Mother.
The celebration ended with veneration of the cross and partaking of the Holy Eucharist which was consecrated on Holy Thursday and reserved. It is good to remember that Good Friday is the only the when the Catholic Church does not celebrate the sacrifice of Mass.