Jesus’s death by crucifixion stands as a defining moment in Christian theology and salvation history. In the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, Feria Sexta in Passione Domini—the sixth day in the Passion of the Lord, commonly known as Good Friday—is the second day of the Easter Triduum, the sacred three-day period leading to Easter. This day solemnly commemorates Christ’s suffering and death on the Cross for the redemption of humanity. It is marked by deep reflection, fasting, and prayer as the faithful meditate on the immense sacrifice of Jesus.
Unlike other days, Mass is not celebrated on Good Friday. Instead, a special liturgical service that includes the proclamation of the Passion narrative, the veneration of the Cross, and the distribution of Holy Communion using hosts consecrated on Holy Thursday is held. The atmosphere is austerity and mourning, with churches often stripped of decoration and the altar left bare, symbolising the somberness of the day. Yet, amid the sorrow, Good Friday also carries a sense of hope—pointing toward the promise of resurrection and new life that comes with Easter Sunday.
Though calling the day of Jesus’ crucifixion Good Friday may seem paradoxical, the term historically derives from an older usage of good, meaning holy or pious. Over time, the meaning has deepened—today, Christians recognise it as good because it marks the moment when the lamb - Christ - offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. By willingly dying on the Cross, Jesus atoned for the sins of the world, opening the path to forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life with God.
While Good Friday is a day of grief and solemnity, it is also filled with quiet hope, for it leads to the joy of Easter Sunday, when Christ’s resurrection triumphs over sin and death. In this light, the sorrow of the crucifixion becomes the gateway to redemption, and the Cross becomes a symbol of victory—a sign that good ultimately overcomes evil and life prevails over death.
Events before Jesus’s death
After being arrested and condemned to death by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judaea, Jesus was scourged, mocked with a crown of thorns, and forced to carry His Cross to Golgotha, the site of execution outside the walls of Jerusalem. The crown was meant to ridicule His title as King of the Jews, only highlighting the depth of His suffering and humiliation.
At Golgotha, Jesus was nailed to the Cross and left to die a slow, agonising death. In His final moments of anguish, He cried out, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?—“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46), echoing Psalm 22 and expressing the profound weight of bearing the world’s sin. After hours of torment, He gave up His spirit. His body was then taken down, wrapped in linen, and laid in a tomb, sealed with a large stone at the entrance.
This journey of suffering, known as Christ’s Passion, is vividly remembered in churches through the Stations of the Cross—a devotional practice consisting of 14 moments, from His condemnation to His burial. These stations invite the faithful to spiritually walk with Jesus on the path to Calvary, meditating on His love, sacrifice, and the depth of His humanity. They serve as a memorial of His suffering and a reminder of the enduring hope and redemption that came through His death.
Good Friday around the world
Good Friday is observed across the Christian world in diverse ways, reflecting the rich traditions of various denominations. At the heart of all observances, however, is the veneration of the Cross, symbolising Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. From the prominent crucifixes in churches to the subtle imprint atop hot cross buns, the Cross is the central focus of this solemn day.
Church services typically include Scripture readings, hymns, and meditations on the Passion of Christ—the events leading up to and including His crucifixion. As a day of mourning and solemnity, the mood is deeply reflective, emphasising prayer, repentance, and contemplation. A notable tradition observed in many churches is the Three Hours’ Devotion, held from noon to 3 p.m., commemorating the hours Jesus hung on the Cross.
In Rome, the Pope leads the Way of the Cross (Via Crucis) procession from the Colosseum to the Palatine Hill, a deeply symbolic journey recalling Christ’s path to Calvary.
Around the globe, Good Friday is marked by dramatic re-enactments of the Passion, particularly in Jerusalem, where pilgrims walk Via Dolorosa, retracing Jesus’ final footsteps to Golgotha, often carrying wooden crosses in an act of devotion and solidarity with Christ’s suffering.
In parts of Central and South America, a vibrant cultural tradition called Alfombras transforms the streets during Holy Week. Intricately designed carpets from coloured sawdust, flowers, fruits, and vegetables decorate the processional paths. These beautiful creations are ceremonially trampled during Good Friday processions, a powerful symbol of Christ’s sacrificial journey.
