Silence, prayer & fasting mark Good Friday across churches in city

Indore: A deep stillness settled over churches in the city as Christian community observed Good Friday. From early morning, devotees gathered in large numbers, marking the day with prayer, fasting and quiet reflection on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.At the Mother Mary Grotto in Palasia, the ‘Way of the Cross' began at 9 am, drawing hundreds of families, elderly devotees and children alike. Walking from one station to another, many carried prayer books, while others stood in silence with folded hands. The mood remained deeply reflective, with soft hymns accompanying the prayers. In most of the churches, devotees carried a 10-12-foot wooden cross from one station to another, symbolising the painful journey of Jesus Christ towards crucifixion.Across the city, prominent churches witnessed a similar turnout. At Red Church, St Arnold's Church in Vijay Nagar, Holy Family Church in Pipliyakumar, St Vincent Palloti Church in Sukhliya, as well as churches in Palda and Nandanbagh, devotees gathered in open grounds to take part in the ‘Way of the Cross'. Despite the harsh afternoon sun, they moved steadily through each station, pausing in prayer and contemplation.One of the largest gatherings was seen at St Francis Assisi Cathedral, the oldest and most prominent churches of Indore. The church premises remained filled through the day as devotees continued to arrive for prayers.Many observed fasts as part of the tradition, choosing simple meals or abstaining from food for long hours. "This day reminds us of sacrifice and patience. Fasting helps us feel a small part of that discipline," said Shilpa Mathew, a devotee present at Palasia grotto. Another devotee Jennifer Paul said, "It is not a day of sorrow alone, but of understanding forgiveness and faith." Across churches, the atmosphere remained restrained, unlike other days, with minimal decoration and a focus on prayer. The community will now prepare for Easter. The churches in city will celebrate birth of Christ on Saturday midnight with Easter prayers.