On Friday, April 18, 2025, Catholics in Réunion observed Good Friday, a significant day in the liturgical calendar, marked by prayer and fasting. This day commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, one of the most solemn events in the Christian faith. In the morning, children from the catechism at the church of Saint-Jacques in Saint-Denis participated in the Stations of the Cross, a poignant ritual that retraces the final moments of Jesus's life.
The procession featured 15 stations, each representing a significant event leading up to Jesus's crucifixion. Bella, Bastian, and Ethan, altar servers at Saint-Jacques, performed their roles with dedication, embodying the emotional gravity of the occasion. Bastian expressed his feelings, stating, "My dream was to carry the candle and the cross. It’s an emotional moment because the Lord is crucified, but deep down I know He will rise again."
Ethan shared his joy: "I feel happiness and pleasure. I’m glad today." The celebration was filled with prayers and hymns led by the young congregation, emphasizing the importance of instilling religious values from a young age. Father Mario Pinto, the parish priest, noted, "I feel that they receive these messages well. Just look at their interactions during the celebration; the love among them is evident, and it’s filled with joy. We also thank the parents for this religious education."
Father Sébastien Vaast, chaplain for students at the University of Réunion and head of Church 2.0, provided further insight into the significance of Good Friday. He remarked, "On Good Friday, Christians look at the cross. They venerate it not as a failure, but as the greatest act of love ever performed. If they experience this in their lives, it’s magnificent." He also highlighted the fasting aspect of the day, stating, "On Good Friday, we do not eat meat. We are called to fast, taking only one meal during the day. Beyond these simple prescriptions, it is an experience to understand that love will love us to the end, to that total and free gift on the cross. Love has conquered hate; life is stronger than death, that’s what we must remember."
The Stations of the Cross is a ritual that commemorates the last hours of Jesus's life, punctuated by moments of meditation. This Good Friday also serves as a day of fasting for Catholics, leading up to the Easter vigil on Saturday and the Easter celebration on Sunday, which marks the end of Holy Week and the 40 days of Lent. The children participating in this solemn observance have made sacrifices, strengthening their faith, while eagerly anticipating the chocolate eggs they will enjoy on Easter Sunday.
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday, holds immense significance for Catholics as it marks the day of Jesus's crucifixion and death. In 2025, this day is especially important within the liturgical year. According to tradition, Jesus was betrayed by Judas, arrested by the Roman army, and handed over to Pontius Pilate, who condemned him to death under pressure from the crowd. As Jesus carried his heavy cross, he endured numerous humiliations along the way.
During the Good Friday service, known as the "celebration of the Passion of the Lord," the faithful relive each of the 14 stations of Jesus's death. At each station, a prayer is recited, beginning with Jesus's condemnation to death and concluding with his burial. Notably, there is no Mass on this day as the Church is in mourning, and no consecration occurs. Additionally, churches veil their crucifixes until the Easter vigil on Holy Saturday.
At the Vatican, the Pope's meditations for the Stations of the Cross reflect on the journey Jesus took toward those he loved. Cardinal Baldo Reina will preside over the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum, emphasizing the importance of looking inward and confronting one’s own conscience. The Pope’s reflections invite the faithful to understand "the economy of God," which is humble and nurturing, contrasting sharply with the cold calculations often seen in modern society.
In his meditations, the Pope highlights the theme of freedom, recalling the dramatic choices presented to humanity. He notes that while Jesus fell three times on his way to crucifixion, these moments teach us about resilience and the human experience of falling and rising again. As Jesus encounters Simon of Cyrene, who helps him carry the cross, the Pope suggests that we can meet God even in unexpected circumstances.
The role of women is also significant in the Stations of the Cross, with figures such as Mary and Veronica approaching Jesus during his suffering. The Pope emphasizes that Mary, as the first disciple, helps us understand the importance of listening and being open to God’s will. Veronica’s act of compassion in wiping Jesus’s face serves as a reminder of the transformative power of love.
As the Stations of the Cross conclude, the poignant moment of Jesus being taken down from the cross and placed in the arms of Joseph of Arimathea serves as a powerful symbol of hope. The Pope’s reflections encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to embrace their responsibilities, reminding them that even in the face of death, hope persists.
In this sacred time, as Catholics around the world participate in these rituals, they are reminded of the profound love and sacrifice embodied in the story of the cross. The message of Good Friday resonates deeply, urging the faithful to reflect on their own lives and to find strength in the love that transcends even the darkest moments.
