Beginning on Palm Sunday, the day Jesus entered Jerusalem, the week consists of Holy Thursday, also known as the Last Supper, Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday or Black Friday, Jesus' crucifixion, and Easter Sunday, which commemorates his resurrection.
One of the most significant times in the Christian calendar, Passion Week, is being observed by Christians worldwide. Over the course of the eight-day period, the community is given the chance to consider how Jesus’ death on the cross transformed humanity.
Palm Sunday, when Jesus first arrived in Jerusalem, kicks off the week. Holy Thursday, also known as the Last Supper (Holy Communion), his crucifixion on Good Friday, also referred to as Holy Friday or Black Friday, and Easter Sunday, when he is raised from the dead, round out the events.
HOLY THURSDAY
The fifth day of Holy Week is Holy Thursday; Good Friday comes after Holy Wednesday. This year, March 28 was designated as Holy Thursday. The celebration of Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, honors the Last Supper, at which Jesus established the sacrament of Holy Communion before to his arrest and execution. He instituted the Holy Eucharist sacrament. Christ also showed his emphasis on humility and service by washing his disciples’ feet. On Maundy Thursday, Christians recall and revere Holy Communion, a rite central to Christian devotion.
This day is significant for four reasons: first, it initiates the Easter Triduum, a three-day period of solemn devotion leading up to Christ’s Resurrection. The Easter Triduum, which consists of three days of serious worship leading up to Christ’s Resurrection from the dead, also begins on Holy Thursday.
GOOD FRIDAY
Good Friday honors the day that Jesus was crucified and died. Good Friday falls on March 29 this year. Christians are encouraged to consider what Jesus gave up in order to save humanity on this somber day of fasting and penance. The Stations of the Cross are a popular religious practice where participants reflect on the occasions leading up to Jesus’ death.
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance; that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” First Corinthians 15:3–4)
We commemorate Good Friday as the day that Jesus voluntarily went through with his crucifixion and died, becoming the final atonement for our sins (1 John 1:10).
HOLY SATURDAY
This year’s Holy Saturday, March 29, marks the anniversary of the Harrowing of Hell while the body of Jesus Christ was in the tomb. As Christians prepare to celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection, they wait with great anticipation. Easter Vigils are held in many churches; they are often observed on Holy Saturday after dusk. Faithful gather for readings, prayers, and the lighting of the Paschal Candle—a symbol of Christ’s light—during this ritual.
EASTER SATURDAY
One of the most important dates in the Christian calendar is Easter. Resurrection Day, or Easter Sunday, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Three days following Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified, is Easter. Ash Wednesday marked the start of the “Passion of Christ” sequence of festivals, which ends with this one. Churches hold special services, and families join together for feasts and festivities. During this season, many people observe the Easter egg custom, which represents rebirth and new life.
Good Friday 2024: Significance, messages and wishes
– May you be motivated to live an altruistic and compassionate life by the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ.
-May the love and serenity of Good Friday overflow into your heart.
– I hope you have a Good Friday that is full of grace, trust, and hope.
-I hope you are gifted with the ability to forgive and be saved on this holy day.
-May the love of Christ continually envelop you and lead you along the straight and narrow.
-On this somber Good Friday, may the Lord shower you with his boundless mercy and kindness.
-I pray that you will sense the heavenly presence of the Lord on this Good Friday and find comfort in his arms.
-On this holy day, may the light of Christ shine upon you and grant you happiness and serenity.
– May Jesus Christ’s crucifixion serve as a beacon of hope and salvation for all people.
– I hope you have a Good Friday that is full of adoration, respect, and love for God.
– May the morality and goodness of Good Friday motivate you to live a good life.
– May Jesus’ death on the cross serve as a reminder of God’s unending love for us.
-May the knowledge that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again to grant us eternal life offer you consolation on this somber Good Friday.