Good Friday

2024 - 3 - 29

Unbelievable Good Friday Traditions Revealed: From Crucifixions to Controversies

crucifixion -- holy friday controversies - crucifixion - Easter - Good Friday - religious traditions - holy friday

Discover the shocking and heartwarming tales behind Good Friday traditions that will leave you in awe!

On Good Friday, the quiet town of Barangay Cutud in San Fernando, Pampanga, is set to witness a spectacle as 20,000 spectators gather to witness the annual crucifixion of penitents. This traditional and extreme display of faith draws crowds from far and wide, showcasing a unique blend of devotion and culture. In the modern world, Good Friday continues to hold significance, offering answers to the wounded souls in churches worldwide. As a priest in Dallas, I have seen how this day brings solace and healing to those who have experienced pain.

While Good Friday is steeped in tradition, it has not been without controversy. The Catholic Church underwent significant changes in the 20th century, including Pope John XXIII removing the word “perfidis” from the Latin prayer. These alterations reflect the evolving nature of religious practices and beliefs, sparking discussions and debates within the community.

One particular story that stands out is that of St. Veronica, whose compassionate act changed the course of history. As a former Catholic chaplain at a state prison, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of empathy and kindness in ministry. St. Veronica's example reminds us of the impact one individual can have on others, inspiring us to emulate her spirit of selflessness and service.

In a world where Good Friday traditions continue to captivate and inspire, it is essential to reflect on the profound messages behind these rituals. From the awe-inspiring crucifixions to the thought-provoking controversies, each aspect contributes to the rich tapestry of faith and community. As we commemorate this solemn day, let us carry forward the lessons of compassion, understanding, and hope that define the essence of Good Friday.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "GMA News Online"

San Pedro Cutud crucifixion seen to draw 20000 on Good Friday (GMA News Online)

Some 20000 are expected to watch the crucifixion of penitents in Barangay Cutud in San Fernando, Pampanga on Good Friday.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ChristianityToday.com"

Good Friday's Answers to Wounded Church Members (ChristianityToday.com)

I serve as a priest in an Anglican church in Dallas, and I have the privilege and responsibility of pastoring many people who have experienced pain at the ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Rappler"

Why parts of Good Friday worship have been controversial (Rappler)

However, the Catholic Church made important changes in the 20th century. In 1959, Pope John XXIII dropped the word “perfidis” entirely from the Latin prayer in ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "America Magazine"

Good Friday changed St. Veronica. Her example changed my work ... (America Magazine)

During my time as the assistant Catholic chaplain at a state prison, I learned how chaplains must model their ministry to those who are vulnerable in the ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

What is Good Friday? What the holy day means for Christians ... (USA TODAY)

The holiday is apart of Holy Week, which leads up to Easter Sunday. Palm Sunday kicks off the the series of Christian holy days which commemorate the ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "TCPalm"

What is Good Friday and how is it connected to Easter? What you ... (TCPalm)

Before Christians celebrate Easter, they observe Good Friday, the day Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Livemint"

Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter: What is the story of Jesus | Mint (Livemint)

The week begins with Palm Sunday, the day Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem and it continues with Holy Thursday also called the Last Supper, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Hyperallergic"

Matthias Grünewald's Gruesome Good Friday (Hyperallergic)

The 16th-century “Isenheim Altarpiece” confronts us with the reality of suffering, violence, and death in a century where violence is both omnipresent and ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Hindustan Times"

Good Friday traditions: How Christians around the world celebrate ... (Hindustan Times)

Good Friday marks Jesus' sacrifice for humanity but traditions are different across the world and reflect the cultural and religious diversity of ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Jagran Josh"

Good Friday 2024: What Are The Different Names For The ... (Jagran Josh)

Good Friday 2024: Good Friday is a globally celebrated Christian holiday. The day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It falls on the Friday before ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "UnHerd"

Who is your Good Friday scapegoat? (UnHerd)

Crucify him!” How utterly bizarre this is, I thought. And heart-breaking. The Christian tradition asks us to imagine that the son of God was tortured and ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Good Friday marked across Australia as church leaders share ... (ABC News)

Locals gather on the nation's east coast to mark Good Friday, with "blessed" gatherings, messages of hope, and an Easter egg hunt for the kids.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Global Sisters Report"

Encountering the Jesus of Good Friday and glimpsing the kingdom ... (Global Sisters Report)

Horizons - At Jamaica Mustard Seed, the residents and their caregivers can laugh, dance and sing with the hope of God's love. And we, on our Good Friday ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Associated Press"

Good Friday: Why a Filipino was nailed to cross for 35th time (The Associated Press)

On Friday, over a hundred people watched on as 10 devotees were nailed to wooden crosses.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Hungary Today"

Good Friday - a Time for Meditation and Soul-Searching (Hungary Today)

True to our tradition here at Hungary Today, we are publishing a Good Friday sermon by a Hungarian cleric. This time our choice has fallen on a 2018 sermon ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Philippines observes Good Friday with crucifixions and whippings (Aljazeera.com)

The gruesome spectacle reflects the Philippines' Catholicism, which merges church traditions with folk superstitions.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Rappler"

IN PHOTOS: How Filipinos observed Good Friday 2024 (Rappler)

Holy Week commemorations reach their climax on Good Friday, when the faithful remember Jesus' crucifixion and death at Calvary. Here are some scenes from this ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "INQUIRER.net"

Pampanga 'Kristo' crucified for 35th time on Good Friday (INQUIRER.net)

Ruben Enaje had himself crucified on the cross for the 35th time on Good Friday in his village in the City of San Fernando in Pampanga.

Explore the last week