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Good Friday observed at St. Joseph’s Church, Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi, March 25, 2016: Good Friday was observed as a day of fasting and abstinence to commemorate the Passion and Death of the Lord.  The day started at 8 am with the ‘Way of the Cross’ held in the Church.  This was followed by hourly ‘Way of the Cross’ - being held in different languages like Tamil, Urdu, Konkani, Sinhala, Tagalog etc.  Malayalam community held a long service commemorating the ‘Passion’ from 8.30 am till noon.

The afternoon’s main services were held at 3.00pm and 6.00pm in English (Outdoor) and 5.30pm in French (Outdoor) and 9.00pm (Outdoor).  Bishop Paul conducted both the English services along with  Parish Preist Fr. Johnson and other priests of the parish and Bishop’s House.

‘Stations of the Cross’ was held outdoors with the Bishop visiting the stations.  This was followed by Penitential rites with general absolution granted to all the faithful who could not make a personal confession to personal reasons.  The ‘Liturgy of the Word’ consisting the Passion of the Lord according to St. John was read by parishioners and the bishop.

Prayers of the faithful were then offered.  The ten intercessions cover these areas: For the Church, for the Pope, for the clergy and laity of the Church, for those preparing for baptism, for the unity of Christians, for the Jewish people, for those who do not believe in Christ, for those who do not believe in God, for all in public office and for those in special need.

Part two was the unveiling and veneration of the Cross. A cross, either veiled or unveiled, is processed through the Church, and then venerated by the congregation. We joyfully venerate and kiss the wooden cross "on which hung the Savior of the world." During this time the "Reproaches" were sung by the Choir.

Part three, Holy Communion, concluded the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. The altar was covered with a cloth and the ciborium containing the Blessed Sacrament was brought to the altar from the place of reposition.  Veneration of the cross by the faithful was done at different exits duly assisted by the communion ministers and the ushers.

Earlier in the morning Konkani Community held Stations of the Cross in Konkani at St. Theresa’s Chruch, Abu Dhabi.