He Died for Love; We Live to Reflect It

Abril 18, 2025—Good Friday was observed in commemoration of the crucifixion and death of Jesus on the cross.

The Seven Last Words mark the continuation of the events that started at 12:00 noon. This year the speaker of the seven last words were Ruth M. Manaig, Irish Camille L. Giner, Heidi Guillermo, Milagros O. Gremio, Orlando S. Landicho, Renita M. Lustañas, and Emmanuel Luis J. Icasiano.

The Celebration of the Lord's Passion resumed at 3:00 pm where Rev. Fr. Fernando A.Cornejo entered and prostrated in front of the altar to signify the resumption of the mass followed by the liturgy of the word.

In his homily, Fr. Fhyrdz reminded everyone the essence of this sorrowful day— how our gravest sins led us to the point of putting the Lord to death. And that we still haven’t learned. We continue to engage in actions that distance us from him.

He also urged us to reflect that we observe this day not because death conquered, but because His love for us prevailed.

“Love till the end” —Pope Benedict XVI

This quote from Pope Benedict XVI indicates that even if we indulge in our sins, God still reciprocated it with endless love.

“Many people live in sin, but God also sent many to show his unwavering love”. 

Fr. Fhyrdz asked, where do we fit in?

Are we: 

A bearer of peace or bearer of chaos? 

A path of unity or bridge of division? 

An inspiration or desperation?

What have we contributed to others? 

To make them better or to lead them to sin? 

To bring them closer to God or closer to the devil?

On this day, we need to reflect on which side we stand: 

Are we peddlers of lies or bearer of truth? 

Do we sew lies and stand among those who crucify the Lord, or do we mirror His boundless love?

Hopefully, we don't focus too much on perfecting the act of doing wrong because it won't do us any good. Instead, may we strive to excel in doing good and becoming holy. 

“Dispenser of truth”. 

As he ended his homily, he reminded everyone reflect on our actions and to mirror the same love God gave us— to strive in doing good and pursue holiness no matter how difficult it is, for this is our daily challenge in life. 

After the homily, the Veneration of the Cross was held followed by the Holy Communion. At 6:00 PM the procession began featuring 28 images and scenes depicting the Passion of Christ including the Santo Entierro. The procession lasted for almost three hours. Upon returning to the church, the Rite of Burial and Veneration to the Santo Entierro were solemnly observed as the conclusion of today’s solemn events.

Article by: Athea Baranda