The celebration began with the Stations of the Cross at 3:00pm. The faithful gathered in the church to remember the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. They moved from one station to another in a quiet and deep reflection on the suffering of Jesus.
The celebration continued with the Service of Communion led by Rev. Fr. Musa Abubakar and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Reuben Ahmodu.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The first reading was taken from the Book of Isaiah 52:13–53:12. The Responsorial Psalm was from Psalm 31: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” The second reading was taken from the Letter to the Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9. The Passion narrative was taken from the Gospel of John 18:1–19:42.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Musa Abubakar spoke about the sacrificial love of God. He explained that the first reading shows the prophecy of Isaiah about the One who would come to save us. He said the cross is not only a sign of shame but also a sign of victory. Through the death of Jesus, the meaning of the cross changed from shame to victory.
He encouraged the faithful to carry their crosses with patience, knowing that Christ, who was crucified, has freed us from every burden.
THE SOLEMN INTERCESSION
The solemn intercessory prayers were then said for the Church and the whole world.
VENERATION OF THE CROSS
The priest presented the cross to the faithful, starting from the entrance of the church, saying: “Behold the wood of the cross on which hung the salvation of the world.” The faithful responded: “Come, let us adore.”
The faithful then came forward one by one to venerate the cross of our Saviour.
HOLY COMMUNION
The priest distributed the Holy communion to the faithful.
The celebration came to close with a quiet and solemn recession.
