Udupi/M’Belle: Good Friday Service Held in St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle With Reverence and Devoti
By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi/M’Belle, 02 April 2021: In the Christian calendar, Good Friday, the commemoration of the Crucifixion and death of Jesus occupies an important place. Good Friday is being celebrated throughout the world with great devotion and sorrow.
The Good Friday service in St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle commenced at 4 pm with Fr. Jithesh Castelino, Assistant Parish Priest as the chief celebrant along with Fr. Clement Masccarenhas- Parish Priest, Dr. Lawrence D’Souza - Resident Preist and Deacon Vijay D’Souza.
The Good Friday Service was divided into four segments - First, reading of passages from Holy Scriptures including the Passion of Christ from the Gospel of St. John the Evangelist, Solemn prayers for the intentions of the Holy Church, Unveiling and veneration of the Crucifix and Holy Communion.
The Passion of Christ was narrated by Fr. Clement Mascarenhas and was animated by Fr. Jithesh Castelino, Joy Fernandes and the choir.
In his homily, Fr. Jithesh Castelino stressed on the significance of the Cross in the life of a Christian. He said that Cross is an integral part of the Christian life right from his or her birth till his or her death. Cross s the foundation and strength of Christian faith in Jesus Christ. Cross is the symbol of sacrifice, love and forgiveness.
After Deacon Vijay D’Souza brought the veiled Crucifix to the main altar, Fr. Jithesh Castelino unveiled the Crucifix in tree stages. The priests and later the faithful venerated Crucified Christ by bowing their heads in front of the Crucifix.
The Communion Service was the last part of the Good Friday devotion. Following the Holy Communion, faithful departed from the church in silence meditating and reflecting on the mystery of Good Friday.
Deacon Vijay D’Souza anchored the Good Friday service.