Solemn Good Friday Celebration: Passion of the Lord

On Friday 18 April 2025, the Cathedral Church of St John the Baptist in Norwich was filled with reverent silence as the Diocese of East Anglia marked Good Friday with the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord, led by Bishop Peter Collins.

The service began with a silent procession of the clergy. As Bishop Peter reached the altar, he prostrated himself, a gesture of profound humility and sorrow. The clergy and congregation knelt in solemn silence, entering into the mystery of Christ’s Passion with deep reflection and prayer.

Central to the liturgy was the proclamation of the Gospel: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. This powerful reading recounts the betrayal, arrest, trial, crucifixion, and death of Jesus, culminating in His final words from the Cross and the piercing of His side — signs of His total self-giving for humanity.

In his homily, Bishop Peter reflected on the significance of outward expressions of faith, reminding those gathered of the importance of adoring the cross.

Before the Veneration of the Cross, the solemn intercessions were offered. These prayers encompassed the whole world, invoking God’s mercy upon the Church, the Pope, clergy, and faithful; catechumens preparing for baptism; the unity of Christians; the Jewish people; those who do not yet believe in Christ or in God; those in public office; and all who suffer affliction or tribulation.

The Veneration of the Cross then followed, beginning with the showing of the cross. A single wooden cross was brought in procession to the sanctuary and gradually revealed by Bishop Peter.

The reflection deepened as the Bishop approached the cross to venerate it, followed by the clergy. One by one, all present were invited to come forward, genuflect, and kiss any part of the cross. It was a moment of profound intimacy — a personal encounter with God’s gift of Himself through the death of His Son.

The atmosphere in the Cathedral was one of deep solemnity. As the faithful stepped forward, many with quiet tears or bowed heads, the silence bore witness to the weight and mystery of Good Friday. The adoration of the cross was not merely symbolic; it was a sacred moment to come face-to-face with the immense love of God made manifest in Christ crucified.

Following the distribution of Holy Communion, Bishop Peter offered this blessing over the people:

“May abundant blessing, O Lord, we pray, descend upon your people, who have honoured the Death of your Son in the hope of their resurrection: may pardon come, comfort be given, holy faith increase, and everlasting redemption be made secure. Through Christ our Lord.”

The liturgy concluded in silence, with the Bishop and clergy departing without a recessional hymn. The faithful were invited to remain in quiet prayer or leave the Cathedral in reverent silence. The celebration left a deep impression on all who attended — a moment of shared sorrow, reverence, and hope as the Church entered into the mystery of Christ’s Passion.

Photographs from the Good Friday Celebration of the Passion of the Lord can be viewed here.

Comments