Good Friday is the day on which Catholics commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Catholics are joined by almost all other Christians in solemn commemoration on this day. It is also a legal holiday around much of the world. On a dark Friday two thousand years ago, Jesus of Nazareth was crucified. Powerful members of the religious, political, and military communities colluded to strip him naked, mock him publicly, and crucify him. Yet two millennia later, Christians, who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, celebrate that day by calling it Good Friday.

Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. Paul considered it to be “of first importance” that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day, all in accordance with what God had promised all along in the Scriptures.

The letters “INRI” are initials for the Latin title that Pontius Pilate had written over the head of Jesus Christ on the cross. Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire. The words were “Iesvs Nazarenvs Rex Ivdaeorvm.” Latin uses “I” instead of the English “J”, and “V” instead of “U” (i.e., Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judaeorum). The English translation is “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”. The Early Church adopted the first letters of each word of this inscription “INRI” as a symbol. Throughout the centuries INRI has appeared in many paintings of the crucifixion.

Good Friday celebrations are marked by a sombre, sorrowful tone. People spend the day fasting, meditating and remembering Christ through their prayers. Churches hold services but bells are not rung, and churchgoers and priests wear black clothes. The altar and pulpit of the church are left bare, and candles are not lit on this day. The significance of this day lies in the Church’s commemoration of Christ’s arrest, crucifixion, death and eventual resurrection.