Good Friday 2025: A time for devotion and reflection on Jesus Christ

Good Friday 2025, celebrated on April 18, 2025, this year, is the holiest and most important day for us Christian Catholics. It reminds us of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. On Friday, two days before Easter Sunday, we all pray, fast, and reflect on the entire period of Jesus Christ’s life.

Meaning of Good Friday

People know the name Good Friday not only because this day is “auspicious” in the traditional sense, but it has many spiritual significance. Everyone knows that on the day of Good Friday, Jesus Christ was crucified and died. The lesson of love and sacrifice and selfless work is taught by Jesus Christ and this is also the cornerstone of Christianity, which symbolizes hope, salvation, and eternal life in all of us.

As you know the events that lead up to the crucifixion of Jesus include: the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, the torment in the Garden of Gethsemane, his trial before Pontius Pilate, his mockery by the Roman soldiers, and finally, the crucified death of Jesus Christ at Calvary. For those who believe in Jesus Christ, Good Friday is a time to remember all these spiritual events.

How Good Friday is Celebrated

The holy day of Good Friday is a public holiday in various countries, especially in all countries where the population of people following Jesus Christ is high. The day is observed with mourning and reverence, with different traditions and practices around the world

1. Church Services and Worship: Special services are held in churches around the world on Good Friday. The liturgical worship of Jesus often includes reading the story of his passion and crucifixion, veneration of the cross in the church, and prayers for the well-being of the world. The day also includes silent and solemn hymns and fasting to reflect the suffering of Jesus’ crucifixion.
2. Fasting and abstinence: Most people who believe in Jesus fast on Good Friday and abstain from meat and royal delicacies. This practice symbolizes repentance and the solidarity of all of us with the suffering of Christ.
3. Stations of the Cross: The Stations of the Cross, in which we pray a devotional prayer that depicts Jesus’ journey to Calvary, is also known as the Way of the Cross. They help us make a virtual pilgrimage to the places and events of the last day before Jesus’ crucifixion. It involves meditating on 14 important events, such as the condemnation of Jesus, his fall, and his crucifixion.
4. Processions and Passion Plays: In Christian countries, there are processions of the Passion of Christ and people join in the reenactment of the crucifixion by a devotee of Christ, while in some countries people hold elaborate processions with religious statues.

Good Friday Global Observances

Good Friday is celebrated differently in different cultures, reflecting the rich diversity of Christian traditions. In the United States, passion plays and processions are particularly well attended. In Europe, public observances are held in countries such as Italy and Spain. In India, Christian processions are held in states such as Goa and Kerala, and people from all over the country attend special prayer meetings. In the same sequence, in Vatican City, the Pope leads the “Way of the Cross” in the Colosseum, which is a pilgrimage site for followers of Christ from around the world and also attracts people.

Good Friday Reflection and Hope

Good Friday, despite its sad nature, is a day of hope and gratitude for Christians. It reminds the followers of Christ of the ultimate sacrifice and His resurrection. As they prepare for the joyous celebration of Easter, which is 2 days after Good Friday, which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Good Friday signifies a time of introspection, prayer, and a renewed commitment to live a life rooted in love and compassion.

As you know, this year on April 18, 2025, Christians around the world will gather in churches, homes, and communities to honor this holy day, united in faith and remembrance of Jesus Christ.

These thoughts and prayers will guide you in understanding the deeper meaning of Good Friday.

Amen