This is the wood of the cross on which hung the Saviour of the world.
Come, let us worship.
These words, which Fr. Paul and the assembly chanted as the cross was brought into the church, are central to our celebration of Good Friday.
The cross is our focus on Good Friday. It is the symbol of our salvation, and Christ’s triumph. The Passion according to John (proclaimed on Good Friday) does not portray a shameful Good Friday, but one where Jesus’ glory is realised.
The cross is processed into the church, stopping three times as the priest calls us to give honour and worship to the cross. Just one day later, at the Easter Vigil, a similar procession with the light of Christ draws us completely into the celebration of Jesus’ rising from the dead. The cross leads us to the resurrection.
The instructions for Good Friday state clearly that we, the assembly, come forward and venerate the one cross. Just as we eat and drink the Body and Blood of Christ from the one altar at Mass, so do we, as one community, venerate the one cross. This year more than a thousand people processed forward and made reverence to the cross in a very prayerful and solemn way.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Anzac Day Mass during the week. There was a special feeling amongst those who gathered on the day. It was also great to see people stay and share morning tea afterwards, particularly with our Carmelite Prior General, Fr Joseph Chalmers, also present on the day.
Liturgy 