Good Friday was observed at St. Joseph’s Church, Chumukedima, with bishop of Kohima, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil as the main celebrant on March 25.
Bishop in his homily said Good Friday was the second day of the Easter Triduum and the day that Catholics and other Christians throughout the world commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. He said that Christianity did not invent suffering, as suffering was already in the world since time began, adding that Christianity has given a new meaning to suffering. He explained that suffering shared with Christ in His passion was a wonderful gift to human life. Bishop said that Good Friday was a sad and dark day for the disciple of Jesus, but for “us” it has become a good day for “we” have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. Bishop ended his homily with a reference to pope Francis’ who said that the cross is also Christians’ answer to evil that continues to work in “us” and around “us”. Christians must respond to evil with good, taking the cross upon themselves as Jesus did, he added. Good Friday service was preceded by the way of the cross (14 stations) around the campus. Parish priest, St. Joseph, Church, Rev. Fr. Sajan accorded the words of welcome to bishop, fathers, sisters and faithful at the start of the service.