TURA: Prayers, fasting and attending special church services led the observance of Good Friday across the Garo Hills as thousands of Christians representing various denominations commemorated  the event that unfolded over two thousand years ago in modern day Israel.

Bishop of Tura, Rt Rev. Andrew R Marak led the Catholic faith in prayers on Good Friday at the Sacred Heart Shrine in Tura, while at the Tura Baptist Church, Rev. Stafford K Sangma narrated to the devotees the events that took place centuries ago.

Bishop Andrew in his homily spoke of the sufferings that Lord Jesus endured and having to die on the cross to save mankind from sin.

“By giving his life for all of us, Christ proved to the world his love for humanity,” said the Bishop.

He called upon christians to follow the teachings of Christ so that the world becomes a better place for everyone.

Despite a hot and humid afternoon, thousands of Catholic devotees, both young and old, partook in the religious tradition of kissing the feet of Jesus and also joined the enactment of the 14 Stations of the Cross which retraces the steps taken by Jesus carrying his cross to Mount Calvary and his crucifixion.

Many devotees undertook fasting on Good Friday and special church services were held at various churches in Williamnagar, Baghmara, Ampati, Dadenggre, Resubelpara, Mendipather and even remote Siju and Rongara in the extreme southern part of Garo Hills bordering Bangladesh.