By Louis Rodrigues –
Belgaum: Good Friday, the day of the Crucifixion of Lord Jesus Christ, was observed amid prayers, fasting and penance. The day commenced in Belgaum with ‘Way of the Cross’ prayer depicting the last journey of Jesus to the Mount of Calvary from Jerusalem, carrying the huge ‘Holy Cross’ on his shoulders. This was observed in all the churches strictly following Covid directives and restrictions.
Scores of faithful belonging to Christian and other faith visit the Miraculous Cross atop a hill near Nandgad, about 38 kms from Belgaum on Good Friday.
Set amid a serene and silent lush green mountains, the pilgrims from all walks of life visit this Cross seeking solace and experience the deep spirituality amid the serene silence enriched with the chirping and sounds of birds in the surrounding forests. Constructed during the bubonic plague in the 19th century, the cross is believed to have offered solace and peace to the visitors from Southern India.
Legend has it that a deadly plague had been haunting the villages around Nandgad and had brought many deaths. Tired of these deadly occurring, the people here prayed and vowed to God that they would erect Christ’s cross on one of the hills. Thus the Cross was erected in 1888 and to everyone’s astonishment that the plague really disappeared!
Meanwhile, the Good Friday prayers will be observed in all the city churches amid strict Covid restrictions and directives set by the Government. As everyone cannot be accommodated in the churches, Diocese of Belgaum has also arranged a live streaming of the prayer services presided over by Bishop Derek Fernandes.
Link for attending the Good Friday services from the Fatima Cathedral – https://youtu.be/4gk6g6zRn5w
Photo caption: Pilgrims offering prayers at the Miraculous Cross atop Nandgad Hill on Good Friday.