EASTER: Christians mark Good Friday, re-enact Passion of Christ
By Francis Udoka Ndimkoha
Christians in Nigeria yesterday joined their counterparts all over the world to commemorate Easter beginning with Good Friday in remembrance of the crucifixion, death and resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Faithful of the Catholic Church, on Friday, re-enacted the Passion of Christ, rekindling hope in the redemption of mankind. The faithful, during the Station of the Cross, part of the Good Friday Service, acted out the sufferings, judgment, condemnation and persecution and crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross, to rekindle His sacrifice of redemption in people.
The drama was done by the Dynamite Theatre troupe of the parish, led by Emmanuel Amadi and Engr. Jones Ihuoma Ucheoma, the President, Catholic Youths Organisation of Nigeria (CYON), of the parish.
The station of the cross event that began at 3pm, in most Parishes was being done same time across the globe. It highlights the route Jesus Chirist passed through before being crowned “The King of Kings” that should be emulated.
At the Holy Cross Catholic Parish, Aladimma, Owerri, Imo State, faithful defied the scorching sun in a procession round the church vicinity, professing Jesus Christ.
The procession had faithful engaging in recitals and prayers in accordance with the 14 stages of the passion of Christ as enshrined in the sacred tradition of the church. It was spiced up with sober hymns, with faithful kneeling at intervals.
The procession, on reaching the church, dovetailed into a 10- point intercessory prayers, while the Auxiliary Bishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Most Rev. Moses Chikwe, asked people to emulate Jesus Christ in their daily living.
According to him, the death of Jesus on the cross paved way for God’s reconciliation with mankind. “It is a selfless service worthy of emulation by faithful, if we must make our society a better place. God Himself has set a standard through which we can access grace with God the son paying the price. We should work hard to become heirs to the kingdom,” he said.
