Good Friday observed in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 15 2022: With the rest of the world, Good Friday was also observed widely in Noney and Tamenglong districts as well as in churches located in the twin capital districts.

The day is observed to commemorate the crucifixion of Lord Jesus Christ on the Cal vary cross for the sinners.

Sharing of gospel mes sages, reading the passages of Bible, singing praises and worship songs, holding prayer fasting and telling, the compassionate story of Lord Jesus Christ were the mains highlights of the solemn event up in every churches.

On the other-hand, the annual Maundy Thursday, also known as the Holy Thursday, was observed with religious fervour at St Joseph's Cathedral, Mantripukhri, the mother church of the Archdiocese of Imphal.

The grand ceremony was presided over by Most Rev Dominic Lumon, DD, the Arch bishop of Imphal, in the presence of Rev Fr Lijo, the Parish Priest, and other concelebrant priests and with many believers in attendance.

In the homily preached by the Archbishop, he said "the Holy Thursday celebrates three important moments in the life of Jesus.

First, the institution of the Holy Eucharist, second the institution of the office of Priesthood and third the giving of the New Commandment of Love." In the solemn Holy Eucharistic sacrifice, the Archbishop also enacted the washing of the feet, by washing the feet of twelve men, in imitation and remembrance of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples as recorded in the Gospel according to John.

The ceremony was filled with symbolism and meaningfulness, as the believers remembered the story of their religious beliefs.

It may be mentioned that the liturgy of the Holy Thursday is the beginning of the sacred Easter Triduum (three days of intense preparation for Easter).

The triduum comprises the Holy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper which Jesus had along with his close group of disciples called the Apostles; The Good Friday which commemorates the crucifixion and the death of Jesus on the Cross; and the Holy Saturday also called Low Saturday in which the believers remember the time Jesus spent in the tomb, culminating in the Easter Vigil ceremony in which the all-important feast of Easter is celebrated.

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