April 2, 2010

No mass

Good Friday is a holiday observed by most Christians, commemorating the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. Unlike during other holy days, there will be no masses in Roman Catholic churches anywhere (nor tomorrow, Holy Saturday). Services will still gather people together in churches; however, the focus will be on mourning Jesus' death and contemplating his sacrifice. Here in the Philippines, quite a few people still recite the Pasyon, a poetic narrative of Jesus' passion, death and resurrection, in a custom which dates back to the 18th century; and many more will go through the Stations of the Cross. Though it is a school church and not a parish church, the Ateneo Church of the Gesù will also have its own Good Friday service. This is my view of the church everyday when I leave work in the early evening—though the color of the sky isn't always this odd but pretty shade.

side view of the Ateneo Church of the Gesù in early evening light

21 comments:

Lowell said...

It appears very modern. Quite striking. Very beautiful!

Louis la Vache said...

Maundy Thursday service tonight at St. Mark's, Stations of the Cross at noon Friday followed by the Good Friday evening service with the stripping of the altar, then the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday night.

tapirgal said...

It's a gorgeous photo, Hilda, with the light inside the church complementing the hue of the sky perfectly. The white, plain walls of the churh set it all off, and the trees add a perfect contrast. This is simply a beautiful photo.

George said...

This is a beautiful church and I rather like the color of the sky. Our church will have a service of the Stations of the Cross tomorrow.

Verna Luga said...

Yes, Hilds, I'm off to my moms place in Cebu, gosh internet is very slow it took me about 30 minutes to upload just one picture.... and loading other blogs took me forever... signal also for smartbro is very weak .....

Have A Nice Day!

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Beautiful photo, Hilda. The periwinkle sky is an incredible contrast to the warm, inviting light of the church.

Don and Krise said...

What a beautiful church, and I agree you caught this one at the perfect time of day.

dianasfaria.com said...

I love how you have captured the way the cross is illuminated.

Dina said...

Such a nice uplifting view of the nice church.
Glad to learn about these customs.
Dear Hilda, may your Good Friday be moving and meaningful and holy.

Mo said...

It would be an interesting idea for CDP to do a theme on Easter traditions around the world.

Bergson said...

I wonder how many church in your city

lunarossa said...

I miss this from Italy. A procession through the Parish Churches of my town and through the stations of the Cross. They do it here as well but it's not the same. Have a nice Easter! Ciao. A.

Unknown said...

I think the light is just great, Hilda, and the composition is lovely!

Ken Mac said...

a stunning chapel

VP said...

An unusual and so elegant structure for a church. Again I keep admiring your architects' excellent and tasteful creature. Great post and beautiful image.

Lois said...

What a pretty picture Hilda! The sky looks almost lavender.

MJ said...

I like the light inside....

nice photo...

Thanks for dropping by in my blogg

Greetings from Sweden

Louis la Vache said...

«Louis'» Editor reminded him that the Stripping of the Altar occurs at the end of the Maundy Thursday service...

Leif Hagen said...

What a wonderful sight to see every day as you hustle out of your building! We used to live across the street from a beautiful Catholic church - I miss the church bells and architecture! I'll have a Good Friday Crosswalk on my blog tomorrow!
Happy Easter to you and yours

Janet said...

Lovely church, and I am so thankful to my Savior!

escape said...

great framing!