Africa-Press – Uganda. Christians in Jinja on Friday gathered in large numbers to commemorate Good Friday through a solemn Way of the Cross procession, reflecting on the suffering, sacrifice, and redemption of Jesus Christ.
Under the mid-morning sun, the faithful processed through the city’s streets, reenacting Christ’s journey to Calvary. The event was led by Rev. Fr. Achilles Wandera, Assistant Parish Priest at Our Lady of Fatima Church, with participants carrying a heavy wooden cross as they retraced the final moments leading to the crucifixion.
Marked by hymns, scripture readings, and prayers, the procession drew scores of believers in a powerful public expression of faith. Despite the heat, participants moved in unison—some singing, others in silent reflection—embodying a shared spiritual commitment. For many, the physical strain mirrored the suffering endured by Christ, deepening the significance of the observance.
Some worshippers were visibly emotional, with tears and quiet contemplation underscoring the solemnity of the occasion. The annual tradition serves both as a remembrance of Christ’s death and as a reaffirmation of the promise of redemption.
Delivering his message, Rev. Fr. Wandera urged Christians to embrace the deeper meaning of Good Friday beyond ritual observance. “Good Friday is a time for us to bury our sins with Jesus in mind and heart,” he said. “As He journeyed to Calvary to offer Himself for our redemption, we too must reflect on our lives and seek forgiveness.”
Fr. Christopher Odongo Maria of the Servants of Maria in Jinja highlighted the spiritual structure of the day, noting that the faithful meditated on the 15 Stations of the Cross—each representing a moment in Christ’s path to Golgotha.
“The Stations of the Cross are not just historical moments, but a form of prayer and reflection,” Fr. Odongo explained. “Each station carries scripture, prayer, and a reminder of the weight Christ bore for humanity.”
He further emphasized that Christ’s repeated falls along the journey symbolized the burden of humanity’s sins rather than weakness.
“It is not that Jesus was weak,” he said. “It is the weight of sin that He carried. As the Prophet Isaiah tells us, He bore our infirmities. The cross and the sins of the world weighed upon Him, causing Him to fall. This is why the Stations remain a powerful form of prayer and meditation.”
The day’s observances continued into the evening, with the faithful reconvening at Our Lady of Fatima Church for solemn prayers and meditation, drawing hope from the promise of resurrection.
Rev. Fr. Wandera concluded by calling on Christians to view Good Friday as a moment for spiritual renewal. “Let us die with Christ and rise with Him,” he urged. “This is a time to cast aside sin and embrace the grace offered through the cross.”
The procession attracted a diverse cross-section of the Christian community, united in remembrance and devotion. As one of the most significant events on the Christian calendar, the Way of the Cross in Jinja continues to foster unity, reflection, and renewed faith among believers.
