Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Tata Mbunwe
Published on 2024-03-29 18:24:22
Christian faithful in the Buea Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church were urged to avoid sin and to seek reconciliation with God and with one another as they observed Good Friday.
They joined millions of Christians around the world in commemorating the passion of Christ on Good Friday, specifically his sacrificial death on the cross to redeem humanity.
The Bishop of Buea, Mgr Michael Bibi, delivered a sermon at the Small Soppo Cathedral, emphasizing that Good Friday was a time for Christians to reflect on Christ’s suffering and to make amends with God.
“It is an invitation from the Church for us to remember the great sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity by willingly dying on the cross out of love for us,” Mgr Bibi said. “It also challenges us, as Christians, to live each day free from sin. Sin is an offense against God and the Church, which includes our fellow brothers and sisters.”
Before the Mass, which was solemn and filled with hymns and scripture readings, the faithful reenacted the agonizing suffering and death of Jesus Christ.
In a poignant street performance on Friday morning, a man portraying Jesus, with bloodied wounds, carried a wooden cross while actors dressed as Roman soldiers from the first century whipped him. A crowd of disciples and adversaries, represented by Christians in black and red attire, followed him, some appearing to mourn.
The street procession culminated in the man playing Jesus being tied to the wooden cross he carried, symbolizing the crucifixion. He was flanked by two others on his way to the cross.
The somber display on Good Friday will give way to joy on Sunday as Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday.
At the Divine Mercy Cathedral in Buea, Saturday will be a day of candle lighting, symbolic mourning, and reflection on the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, with no Mass being celebrated.
“This day also reminds us that just as God’s love led him to sacrifice his only begotten son for us, we are called to love God in return and to love our fellow brethren as we journey towards his kingdom,” said Bishop Bibi.
The bishop preached about love and the avoidance of sin in a society plagued by vices like corruption, immorality, greed, and indecency, including within the Church.
Good Friday is a significant part of Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday and culminates in Easter Sunday, focusing on the suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
