SAGINAW— The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, was present at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw where the Rev. Andy Booms, cathedral rector, led the faithful in the solemn liturgy of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday, March 25. The crucifixion and death of Our Lord is remembered as the faithful gather to venerate the cross and hear the Gospel of John's account of Christ’s Passion. By adoring the Holy Cross, the faithful are reverencing the instrument by which Christ won our salvation.

During the veneration, the choir chanted the Reproaches: "My people, What have I done to you? How have I hurt you? Answer me! I led you out of Egypt; but you led your Savior to the Cross. For forty years I led you safely through the desert, I fed you with manna from heaven, and brought you to the land of plenty; But you led your Savior to the Cross. O, My people! What have I done to you that you should testify against me?"

Mass is not celebrated on Good Friday, but the faithful may receive the Eucharist in the species of bread that was consecrated during the Holy Thursday Mass. The church is instead stripped of all decoration, and the doors of the tabernacle are left open for this day of mourning as we remember Christ's death.