Day of reflection, giving as Christians observe Good Friday

Christians around the world on Friday marked Good Friday at the start of the Easter holiday this weekend.

In Kenya, calls for peace, forgiveness and national dialogue dominated the celebrations.

The Good Friday service is held by Christians around the world to commemorate the persecution, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary, more than 2,000 years ago, according to the Christian doctrine.

Christians gathered in various churches to mark The Way of the Cross.

The church bells remained silent and the altar bare to signify mourning. The day was marked with prayer, fasting and reflection.

PEACE
Hundreds of Catholics thronged churches in Nakuru, Nyandarua, Laikipia and Narok counties for service before holding processions re-enacting Jesus’ suffering.

In Nakuru, Bishop Maurice Muhatia of the Nakuru Catholic Diocese led the worshippers in prayers before they held a procession along major streets, the scorching sun notwithstanding.

“Let us all embrace peace for Jesus died to save the world. He suffered because of us all,” he said.

In Elburgon Catholic parish, Fr Francis Mumo praised the recent handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga, saying the gesture will promote national healing.

“Political wrangles should not be considered the senior most interests of the day by our leaders,” he said.

FAMILY TIME
In Narok Town, Bishop James Kariuki led the worshippers from St Peter’s Catholic church in marking the day.

“Jesus died a very painful death, but he accepted it because of his love for us all. It is, therefore, important for us to take time and reflect on his death,” Catechist Kin said.

In Nairobi, most businesses remained shut with little activity as most people stayed away to celebrate the holiday with their families and in churches.

Various shopping malls, however, were teeming with families who enjoyed fun activities and shopping.

In Mombasa, hundreds of worshippers, led by Mombasa Catholic Archdiocese Vicar General, Fr Wilbard Lagho, marked The Way of the Cross and urged top government officials to respect institutions and follow the law.

RULE OF LAW
The clerics appealed to Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Immigration Principal Secretary Gordon Kihalang’wa and the Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet to obey the law and present themselves in court.

“When a leader does contrary to the Constitution, their acts can cause conflict. The leaders should follow the law and set a good example to the citizens,” Fr Lagho said.

In western Kenya, the message of tolerance was replicated. In Kisii County, hundreds of Catholics held street processions.

Addressing worshippers at Kisii Catholic Parish, the vicar, Fr Elijah Nyakundi, urged political leaders to use the Easter season to reflect on moving the country forward.

PRAYERS
Bishop John Omangi of the Anglican Church of Kenya Kisii asked President Kenyatta to sort out the controversy involving Nasa activist Miguna Miguna, adding that the drama has dented the country’s image internationally.

In Kakamega, traffic was disrupted along the Kakamega-Kisumu, Kakamega-Webuye and Mumias-Kakamega roads in Kakamega as hundreds of Christians thronged the streets to celebrate Good Friday.

The worshippers then converged at St Joseph’s Cathedral Church in Kakamega town for prayers.

Reported by Diana Mutheu, Magati Obebo, Joyce Mwihaki, Steve Njuguna, John Njoroge and James Kahongeh