Good Friday Devotion Deepens as Faithful Venerate the Cross at Holy Spirit Cathedral

On April 3, 2026, the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka, was filled with solemnity and devotion as parishioners from across the Archdiocese gathered to observe Good Friday. At 2:30 PM, the faithful gathered to pray for divine mercy. The service centered on the Veneration of the Cross, a key ritual during Holy Week that invites the faithful to reflect on the suffering, death, and love of Jesus Christ on the cross.

The liturgy began with a solemn procession of the ministers of the altar, after which the priests prostrated themselves before the altar as a sign of their nothingness before God. This was followed by scripture readings recounting the Passion of Christ and a homily.

The homily was delivered by the Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie CSSp, who spoke on the depth of Christ’s suffering, the meaning of forgiveness, and the call to live a life of service and compassion. He encouraged the faithful to allow the lessons of Good Friday to shape their daily actions, practicing mercy, humility, and faithfulness in every aspect of life.

Intercessory prayers were offered for the Church, the nation, and the global community, unbelievers, sinners, Jews, and people suffering in the world, reminding participants of their shared responsibility to care for one another in love and unity.

He further urged the faithful to reflect on their lives in light of Christ’s sacrifice, noting that Good Friday is a moment to examine one’s relationship with God and others, especially in areas of forgiveness, humility, and service. He called on Christians to let go of hatred, bitterness, and pride, and to embrace reconciliation and compassion.

The Archbishop also highlighted that Christ’s suffering speaks to the realities of human pain and struggle. He encouraged those facing difficulties to find hope in the Cross, reminding them that suffering, when united with Christ, leads to transformation and eventual victory. He stressed that just as Good Friday leads to Easter, moments of pain in life can lead to renewal and new life, urging the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith even in challenging times. He added that true Christianity is expressed not only in worship but also in acts of kindness, justice, and selfless service.

The Veneration of the Cross began as the faithful approached one by one, kneeling, bowing, or kissing the Cross amdist meditative hymns that created an atmosphere of deep prayer and reflection. Each gesture was a heartfelt expression of faith, devotion, and gratitude to Jesus for His love and mercy. This sacred ritual recognized Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and offered a moment of personal encounter with the mystery of redemption.

The choirs present included the St. Gabriel Ga-Dangbe Choir, the St. Augustine Guild Holy Family Singing Group, and the Cathedral Choir, who led the hymns during the veneration.

Also present at the Veneration of the Cross was Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin and his family.Story by:
Thelma N. E. Impraim-Holm
DEPSOCOM Accra