On this solemn and quiet day, all sacraments are forbidden to be celebrated with the exception of the anointing of the sick in case of emergency. No Mass may be celebrated today under any circumstances. It is the day that the God-man died on the cross. In the special liturgy of this day, there are three sections to the liturgy. The first is the Liturgy of the Word, where we hear of the word of God in both Old and New Testament. The Passion according to St. John is proclaimed. The entrance into the church by the presider and deacon is in silence. We will prostrate completely in the presence of the cross on the floor. No music. After the Word is proclaimed, we have the official Prayers of the Faithful for Good Friday. These special prayers, the same every year, reflect our praying for the Holy Father, the Bishop, the Church, for our Jewish brothers and sisters, for our President and all government, for the those who do not believe in Christ, or do not believe in God, and for the sick. these beautiful prayers are powerful ways to offer our deepest needs to God.
In the second section of the liturgy, we have the Veneration of the Cross. The cross, without a corpus, is brought into the church, with the words which states: This is the Wood of the Cross, Come let us adore. After the solemn, the priest, deacon, servers and then all the assembly come up the cross and show some kind of veneration, by a kiss, hugs, or a profound bow. The final liturgical event of the Liturgy of the Good Friday is the reception of Holy Communion, consecrated the night before at the Mass of the Lord's Supper. The deacon in procession brings the Blessed Sacrament, we distribute the Eucharist, and the Eucharist is returned to the Altar of Repose. Then a very simple prayer is offered, and the presider leaves the church without blessing or fanfare.
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