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Members of St. Francis De Sales during "Way of the Cross" procession on Good Friday in Kohima.[/caption]
Dimapur, April 20 (EMN): Over four thousand Catholic faithful from St. Francis de Sales (SFS) parish, Kohima town, commemorated the Good Friday by taking part in the "Way of the Cross" procession rally at the streets and liturgical celebration held at Kuochiezie, Kohima local ground on April 19.
Principal of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima, Rev. Fr. James Thalu, presided over the Eucharist as the main celebrant along with the parish priest of SFS, Rev. Fr. Richard Fernandes and assistant parish priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Pithungo as concelebrants during the programme.
The Good Friday liturgy included three parts comprising listening to the "Word of God," accepting the "Veneration of the Cross," and partaking in the "Holy Communion."
In his homily, Fr. James, while reminding the mammoth crowd about Jews culture of those days wherein people who committed the worst of crimes were put on the cross, said Christ gave the full meaning of the "Cross," which was a symbol of "shame" and "crime."
He added that the question as to why God should allow Christ to die in such an agonising manner was raised by the disciples of Jesus such as Peter, James, John and many others.
The priest also reminded the faithful that Jesus was not overpowered or crushed to die on the cross by His enemies. He clarified that it was Jesus, who voluntarily gave up His life, and not defeated by the powers of the scribes, Pharisees, chief priests and others of those days.
"Jesus voluntarily, willingly and totally submitted Himself without any force to accomplish the will of His heavenly Father," Fr. James added.
The celebrant also urged the packed congregation during the Mass to pray the similar way Jesus did to achieve God's will while He endured intense pain and struggle as a human person.
Fr. James further appealed the mammoth crowd to pray for grace to be like Christ in each one's thoughts, words and in deeds.
Earlier, the crowd remained standing for fifteen minutes listening silently to the "Passion Narrative" with reverence.
The accounts of the suffering and death of Christ was narrated by Teisovi Gerard. During the session, the main celebrant acted as Jesus, while Monica Cusma, Anuvolii Rose and Lichumthung Simon represented Pilate, Jews and others.
Neingulie Michael and Neizha-o Edward have led in the reading of the Bible from "Isaiah 52:13-53” and "Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9" respectively. The prayer for the faithful was administered by the three priests. Choir of Angami Catholic Youth A Association (SFS) presented special song during the Eucharist.
“Way of the Cross” began at Old MLA junction with the introduction of ‘1st station' by Fr. Peter, while Philip Lotha performed as the first cross bearer.
“Way of the Cross,” depicting the passion and death of Christ was represented by Adivasi, Sumi, Poumai, Pochury, Rongmei, Lotha, Angami, Chakhesang communities and other members of the parish by carrying a large wooden cross as cross bearers.
Another thirteen members among the communities were made to introduce the remaining stations, while the parish youth members displayed pictures and symbols of the "14 stations of the Cross," from condemnation of Jesus to death till His placement in the tomb.
The parishioners sang hymns and chanted prayers as they marched across the streets in the state capital and culminated at the local ground.