Good Friday Service
BUTTERWORTH- “Who are you looking for?” exclaimed the long-haired actor playing Jesus in the darkened church leaving the audience entranced.
The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (NBVM) was packed for the Good Friday Service on April 7th held at 6pm presided by Rev Fr. Dominic Santhiyagu. Contrary to the usual Passion Reading, the church decided to reenact the Liturgy of the Word through a passion play.
The congregation was blessed to witness the solemn passion play performed by our very own parishioners under the leadership of Peter Tony the director, together with Martina Michael and Adeline Thomas as stage managers. The 45-minute intense and vivid play left many emotional and misty-eyed in the audience after watching Jesus in excruciating pain from the cracking whips and lashes.
Matthew Leon, who played the role of Jesus said that he felt humbled and honoured being given the opportunity. “I volunteered to play the role of Jesus. Turning 33 this year, similar to Jesus at the time of His crucifixion may be a coincidence, but I see it as a calling to be part of the play”, he expressed. Adding to that he said, “This year’s passion play was different and challenging as all the characters memorized the script and used their own voice instead of the usual voice recording.”
Further, Mary Netto, 86, one of the members of the church praised the entire cast, directors and makeup artists. “It was one of the most spectacular events I had seen in this parish in more than half a century. Watching Jesus being tormented and crucified on the cross was truly a lifelike and moving experience”, she claimed.
The Service proceeded with Solemn Intercessions and Veneration of the Cross where people knelt and bowed before the cross, and subsequently followed by Communion service.
Upon observing the Good Friday Service, we hope that all parishioners will be deeply grateful for Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross through the crown of thorns and scourging and remember that by the cross He carried our sins.
