|
Our prayers for peace have been answered:
Christians invoke blessings on Good Friday
By Omar RAJARATHNAM
|
A Devotee at the St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade
|
|
St. Mary’s Church Hendala
|
Christians all over the world commemorated Good Friday on April 22.
Churches belonging to the various sects in the country experienced an
influx of devotees on the day which marks the crucifixion of Jesus
Christ, 2000 years ago. Mass was held in all churches mainly in the
morning and some churches conducted several masses during different
times of the day. Some churches conducted masses in Sinhala, Tamil and
English languages. The sermons re-iterated what is widely known as the
seven words of Jesus on the cross which exemplifies patience and
submission.
Clad mostly in white, devotees also took part in the procession which
enacted the death of Jesus Christ which proceeded from one junction to
another as participants sang hymns. Devotees recited prayers throughout
the day. The restricted frequency of public transport did not affect
devotees’ attendance as they say they made plans to ensure they attend
the masses on time.
We attended some of the masses that took place in the churches around
the city and in the outskirts to find out what people felt about Good
Friday this year.
I am now able to pray without fear and that is truly a blessing, said
Benjamin Perera of Bloemendhal after attending the afternoon mass at St.
James’ Church in Mutwal. “Two years back I would have not brought my
three year-old-daughter to a mass due to the fear of bomb explosion
which was a common scene in the past years, but it feels like all our
prayers have been answered and it is relieving to know that we live in a
safe country now”, said Benjamin.
St. Mary’s Church in Hendala, Wattala and St. John the Baptist Church
in Kandana held their Good Friday masses outdoors and the sun did not
deter devotees from participating in prayer.
We come to church on Good Friday every year with the same spirit,
said Lucile Callista Francke of Elakanda. “This is an important day and
it doesn’t matter that the mass is being held outdoors, what matters is
that we are all united”, she said. Some devotees were very emotional at
St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade where they took turns to kiss the
feet of the statue of Jesus Christ to empathise with His pain of
crucifixion.
The crowds were controlled by designated church staff to ensure that
all devotees were given an opportunity to participate in the rituals.
St. John the Baptist Church in Mutwal was crowded with devotees
attending the afternoon mass. My mind is so free attending this mass,
said Saman Watawala of Mutwal. “I am so greatful we have the freedom to
attend the church service.
Truly, the peace and harmony we have in the country today is an
utmost blessing”, he said. St. Michael’s Church, Colpetty, The Salvation
Army Church, Slave Island, Christ Church, Galle Face also had many
hundreds of devotees attending the Good Friday Mass where choristers
constantly mesmerised congregations with their vocal talent.
The prayers also marked the prelude to Easter Sunday which is being
celebrated all over the world today.
The day marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and concludes Lent,
the 40-day fasting period which is observed from Ash Wednesday and it
commenced on March 9 this year.
|
