The parishioners of Holy Rosary Parish, Wuse, Abuja, joined Catholics across the
Archdiocese and around the world to commemorate the solemn celebration of Good
Friday, marking the Passion and death of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
The day’s observance began with a highly emotional and spiritually enriching
Passion Play performed by members of the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria
(CYON) of the parish. The presentation vividly depicted the suffering, trial, and
crucifixion of Christ, drawing deep emotional reflection from the congregation.
This was followed by the Liturgy of the Word, comprising the First and Second
Readings, and the solemn proclamation of the Gospel.
John Cardinal Onaiyekan delivering homily on Good Friday at Holy Rosay Parish, Wuse,
Abuja
Delivering the homily, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, provided profound
insights into the significance of Good Friday. He explained that the Church does not celebrate the Holy Mass on this day, as it is dedicated to the remembrance of
Christ’s Passion and death.
Reflecting on the events leading to the crucifixion, the Cardinal recounted how Jesus
was brought before the Jewish authorities and the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, despite His innocence and condemned for being a just man. He noted that while
Pilate attempted to save Jesus, pressure from the Chief Priests and the crowd
ultimately led to His condemnation.
John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja (middle), Very Rev. Fr. Kale
Francis, Parish Priest, Holy Rosary Parish, Wuse, Abuja and Rev. Fr. Paschal Yahaya,
Assistant Parish Priest, Wuse shortly after the Good Friday service at the Parish.
Cardinal Onaiyekan also explained that Jesus was buried hastily because the
following day was the Sabbath, during which Jewish law forbade burial rites. “What
an irony? a people outwardly professing purity, found an innocent man guilty”, the
Cardinal said.
Describing the crucifixion as the gravest act of human injustice, he emphasized that
God, in His infinite love, transformed this evil into the greatest good by offering His
only Son for the salvation of humanity. He noted that Jesus was rejected and
condemned largely due to ignorance of the truth about His divine identity.
The Cardinal reassured the faithful that all these events unfolded according to God’s
divine plan, reminding them that God’s purposes are always for good, even when
circumstances appear bleak.
Drawing lessons for contemporary society, especially in the Nigerian context, he
urged the faithful not to lose hope amid prevailing challenges, including insecurity
and injustice.
He stressed that evil does not have the final say, as demonstrated by Christ’s
resurrection on the third day, urging Nigerians to remain committed to life of prayer
and doing good, assuring that the hardships being experienced today would one day
come to an end through good leadership.
“We must always strive to be on the side of justice, truth, peace, honesty, and
goodness”, he stated, encouraging Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and
prayer.
He further reminded the congregation never to doubt God’s presence, affirming that
God has not abandoned His people, and that He will continue to guide them through
difficult times.
The Cardinal concluded with prayers for Nigeria, asking God to bring peace, justice,
and security to the nation, and to strengthen the faith of His people.
The Good Friday service ended with the impartation of the special Good Friday
blessing on the large congregation in attendance by His Eminence.
Day’s Gallery
By James Atusue and Malachy Uzendu