Good Friday in Jerusalem

(April 3, 2010) Jerusalem experienced a flux of pilgrims on Good Friday as Christians, Jews and Muslims converged on the holy city for thier religious observances. Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem presided over the Good Friday liturgy of the Lord's passion at the Holy Sepulcher in the morning, and later participated in the Way of the Cross procession on the Via Dolorosa (the Road of suffering). He was accompanied by Cardinal John Patrick Foley, the grand knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, and by Auxiliary Bishop William Shomali of Jerusalem. Also in attendance were numerous faithful including priests, religious and a notable presence of Franciscan seminarians, reported the Latin Patriarchate. Parishioners of the Holy Saviour Parish, local religious and numerous pilgrims joined the procession on the Via Dolorosa, presided over by the Custodian of the Holy Land, Capuchin priest Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa. The procession followed the path to Calvary, and made a final stop at the Holy Sepulchre, where the group prayed for the intentions of Pope Benedict XVI.
This year that Catholics and Orthodox celebrate Easter on the same date, various groups of Christians crowed the Via Dolorosa to make their way in procession along the Way of the Cross. Also present in the walled Old City of Jerusalem were Jews who are celebrating Passover, and Muslims gathering for weekly Friday prayers. Associated Press reported that among the many pilgrims were some 2,500 Israeli policemen, and that no disturbances had been reported.
On Holy Thursday, the Franciscans led a procession to the Cenacle where the Gospel narrative of the Last Supper was read, and a re-enactment of the washing of the feet took place. The Holy Thursday procession continued to Gethsemene, where Father Pizzaballa led a prayer vigil. After the service, a procession of torches descended to the Valley of Cedron until they reached the Sanctuary of St. Peter, where tradition says Peter denied Jesus three times before the cock crew. It is also the site of the Palace of Caiaphas, where Jesus was imprisoned during the night of Holy Thursday.