GOOD FRIDAY

Good Friday is the day which commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. As well as being a Public Holiday it is also marked out by the Church as a day of fast and abstinence.

Having been condemned to death, Jesus was compelled to carry his cross to the place of His execution.

At Calvary, He was nailed to the cross and crucified between two thieves. One of the thieves repented of his sins and accepted Christ while on the cross beside Him.

A sign was posted above Christ to indicate His supposed crime. It read "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." It is commonly abbreviated in Latin as "INRI" (Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum).

After His death Jesus' body was removed from the cross and laid in a donated tomb, buried according to custom.

There is no Mass and no celebration of the Eucharist on Good Friday but a liturgy does take place, traditionally at 3pm as the Gospels state it was at the ninth hour Jesus died. The liturgy begins with a bare sanctuary to which the Cross is brought for veneration. Prayers lead to the reading of the Passion. Holy Communion is distributed using hosts consecrated the previous day at the Maundy Thursday Mass. .

The intentions of the Church read on Good Friday are :

1. For the Holy Church, may it be engaged in works of your mercy.

2. For the Pope, may he bring hope to all who believe.

3. For all orders and degrees of the faithful, may the Church, lay faithful and ordained, walk in the light of the Gospel.

4. For catechumens, for all seeking new life in the font of Baptism, may they wait with patience and strength.

5. For the unity of Christians, may all who follow Christ be a witness to his love and example.

6. For the Jewish people, may they be faithful to the covenant and attain the fullness of redemption.

7. For those who do not believe in Christ, may they walk with a sincere heart and seek the truth.

8. For those who do not believe in God, may they see the good works done by those believe as a testament to Gods love.

9. For those in public office, may they keep us safe and guide us in peace.

10. For those in tribulation, may they comfort and strength at this time.