Nagaland along with the rest of the world celebrated Good Friday on April 3. The celebrations were held in all the districts by different denominations.
Wokha: Citizens of Wokha joined Christians around the world in observing Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The day, marked by prayer, reflection, and repentance, saw believers gathering in churches to remember the suffering and death of Christ for the redemption of humanity.
At the Wokha Village Baptist Church, a large number of citizens attended the service, leading to a shortage of space, with additional chairs even arranged to accommodate the congregation. The atmosphere remained reverent, as worshippers engaged in hymns, scripture readings, and prayers.
Wokha Village Baptist Church, women leader, Mhonyani Humtsoe delivered a sermon focusing on the hardships endured by Jesus during His time on earth. She urged the congregation to reflect on one’s lives, surrender their sins and wrongdoings, and seek spiritual renewal in the light of Christ’s sacrifice.
To deepen understanding among the congregation, the crucifixion of Jesus was also screened and dubbed in the Lotha language, helping attendees connect more personally with the pain and significance of the event. (Correspondent)
St. Peter’s Parish in Kiphire: St. Peter’s Parish in Kiphire concluded a deeply affecting Good Friday celebration, marked by an ‘extravaganza’ enactment of the ‘14 Stations of the Cross,’ meticulously orchestrated by the Catholic Youth of Kiphire.
The event provided parishioners with a uniquely spiritual and immersive experience, tracing Jesus’ journey to the cross through powerful theatrical presentations and contextualized reflections.
The solemn enactment commenced from the lower grounds of the parish, following a winding, zigzag path that led participants up to the church. The journey culminated inside for the Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.
At each of the fourteen stations, a designated leader presented scripture reflections, drawing parallels between the historical narrative and contemporary life, which resonated deeply with those present. Attendees described the experience as emotionally impactful, commending the youth for their compelling portrayals.
Rev. Fr. Thomas Toretkiu presided over the event, delivering both an introduction and a concluding address. Following the three-and-a-half-hour devotion, Fr. Thomas delivered a homily emphasizing the transformative essence of the Stations of the Cross.
He articulated that “Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection have profoundly influenced millions of lives,” and stressed the miraculous change that occurs when individuals commit to faith in God and embrace positive personal transformation. The celebration drew a large congregation, many of whom were visibly moved by the spiritual intensity of the experience.
Immediately following the Good Friday service, the Divine Mercy Novena commenced, signalling nine days of prayer that will culminate on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12.
The novena, a preparatory devotion for the Feast of Divine Mercy, entails specific daily prayer intentions as revealed by Jesus to Saint Faustina Kowalska. Parishioners departed in silence, carrying the reflections of the day.
