What exactly is Good Friday like in Rome
Italian Easter traditions explained by an italian
What's the significance of Good Friday?
"Good Friday" in the Christian tradition is regarded as the day Christ died on the cross. It is considered to be the most solemn and sacred day of the Christian calendar.
In the United States, the origins of the term "Good Friday" is a mystery it could be a derivation of "God's day". In Italy there is no question about the source or significance of 'GoodFriday since the day is known as ' Venerdi Santo" - Holy Friday.
What is the Good Friday tradition in Rome? : St Peter's Basilica, and the Good Friday liturgy of the Christ's Passion.
The Good Friday holiday is the day that is immediately preceding Easter Sunday. This year, it will be celebrated on April 15th.
Good Friday in Italy is one of the most significant days on the Catholic calendar of the Church, making The Good Friday liturgy the most solemn time of the year for the Church.
All crosses and statues in churches will be covered with black or purple cloth and will remain that way up to Easter Sunday. Priests are required to wear vestments during the Good Friday liturgy will also be in purple, with the exception for Bishops and Popes that wear red.
Roman Catholic Easter tradition says that the holy mass should not be held on Good Friday because it is an occasion of mourning. But on Good Friday, at 5:30 p.m. at St Peter's Basilica, the Pope is celebrated an observance of the Good Friday liturgy that commemorates the Passion of Christ.
It is a sung ceremony and will likely be at minimum two and a half hours. All who attend are invited to kiss the cross's foot the cross at the time of the service and then the Pope is next in line in front of the cross, with his feet bare and a head that is not covered, kneeling and kneeling before the cross.
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What is the Good Friday tradition in Rome? : the 'Way of the Cross'.
The most significant event on the Friday before Easter is the famous "Via Crucis," also known as the "Way of the Cross' also called the 'Stations the Cross'. the Pope is the solemn torchlight procession that begins from to the Colisseum towards the Palatine Hill.
The Good Friday liturgy, the fourteen' stations of Christ's cross' are outlined as a signifying an aspect of the Passion and Death of Christ. Pilgrims carry a cross made of wood around each' station' as well as for a portion of the service, Pope Benedict 16th himself is seen to take the cross.
At every station, a short prayer and meditation is given at the start that the Pope sings:
"Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi" (we adore you, O Christ, and we bless you");
and the congregation answers :
"Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum" (because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world").
At the end of each, the 'Our Father' (Lord's Prayer) is sung in Latin.
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What is the Good Friday tradition in Rome? Where and how to go to see the 'Via Crucis'.
The procession actually begins within the Colosseum and then stretches out of the main square and then climbing a steep route to Palatine Hill.
Due to his age and the rigorous tasks of Easter the Pope has ceased to take part in the whole procession, however, he is the sole presiding over it from a high point at the Palatine Hill, which overlooks the Colosseum.
The most stunning views are close to the Colosseum which is where a massive cross lit by hundreds flares illuminates the arena with the golden light. Make sure you stand back from the Colosseum and choose a place that you can view the canopy where the Pope will be seated. It's directly above the walkway that leads to the Colosseum.
With a decent zoom lens, you'll be able take excellent photos or video that show the Holy Father's sermon.
Be patient. After the "stations," the Pope delivers a brief speech, at the end of which he offers his Papal blessing to the masses.
If you don't do anything other than celebrate Easter in Rome visit the procession.
No matter if you're religious and whether or not you're a Christian and whether or not your religion is Roman Catholic - it's beautifully dramatic and an unforgettable events you'll see.
Check out ourย BLOG: CATHOLICALLY TODAY: LOVE, PRAY, WRITE to read more on How the Pope Spends Easter Sunday
