GOOD FRIDAY – CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S PASSION

By Dalius LL

Sandakan : On Good Friday, 3rd April 2015, at 9.00 am huge crowds of faithful gathered in front of St Mary's Cathedral,Sandakan for the tri-lingual Stations of the Cross. Good Friday Services, Celebration of the Lord's Passion were held in all the main churches across the diocese.

Fr Thomas Makajil in his homily said, 'Dear woman, here is your son, and to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' ~ John 19 : 26-27, gives us a very clear picture what Jesus meant.  Let us go deeper by reflecting on these words. Looking at the role of Mary, we realized how strong and faithful she is just to surrender her son to the will of God while crying on the foot of the cross. The same goes to John who was present at the foot of the cross despite the risk which endangered his own life. Just like Mary surrendering to the will of God and Jesus surrendering to the will of the Father, we too should  open our heart, open our mind to surrender to God. We offer our heart to God’s love and grace and discover God’s love for Man.'

ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL, SANDAKAN

Photographer: Helen John, Helda Japanis

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH TAWAU

Article by Julita Kantod
Photographer: Carlos George, John Wong,

GOD’S GRACES ON GOOD FRIDAY
As to commemorate the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ and to discern the journey experienced by  the Lord, more than 2000 faithful of Holy Trinity Parish Tawau  took part in the Way of The Cross on 3rd  May 2015 beginning at 8.00 am.
The procession began from the basement of the Parish Hall to the entrance of the Church where one representative from each ministry / group was given the opportunity to carry the cross at each station. 

Some sharings from the cross bearers;

• Though the cross is heavy but when we recall the suffering of our Lord its makes us strong and energetic.
• Given this opportunity, it urged us to reflect on God’s unconditional love for us. Who could take the place that Jesus has so willingly accepted?
• It was indeed a wonderful experience to strengthen our faith. Keeping faithful to the Lord's Service on Good Friday in commemorating the death of Christ, some 3000 parishioners assembled to participate the most significant event along with other Catholics around the world.

The solemn and wonderful event took place at 3 o clock in the afternoon solemnized by Rev. Fr. Philip Muji. In his homily, he shared on the precious graces that we receive on Good Friday:

• Mother Mary as our mother
• The gift of life through Christ death and resurrection
• The Cross that symbolizes our hope and faithfulness,  focuses on the promise of Christ. His death on the cross makes us all worthy in participating in the mystery of salvation which is our resurrection.

ST. DOMINIC'S CHURCH LAHAD DATU

Photographer: SOCCOM Lahad Datu

ST. MARTIN'S CHURCH TELUPID

Photographer: SOCCOM Telupid