Beating the sun, Christians observe Good Friday in Mumbai

It was an overflow of emotions as the Christian community, in Mumbai, poured out in large numbers to observe Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Lord Jesus Christ. 

Beating the scorching sun, the young and the old, united in mind and devotion, had come out in unison. 

A statue of Lord Jesus, being crucified, was installed at Orlem by the locals. Besides, a prayer was also held in honour of the Lord. While the Holy Cross is 214 years old, the massive and heavy structure was removed in July 2017 after Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had asked for it to be demolished.

Bonney Periera, of Orlem, said, “Crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a symbol of devotion. It gives a message of forgiveness. While the Holy Cross was re-installed last December, we thought to we would enact the crucifixion scene this year.” 

A prayer service was organised at Kurla’s Holy Cross Church also.

Blaise Gomes, a local, said, “We’ve a 20-feet Cross with Jesus’ statue on it. After the prayer service was over, we removed Jesus’ body from the Holy Cross and took out a funeral procession across the Church compound. Thousands of people attended the programme.”