The main church of San Ginés Obispo, in Arrecife, hosted on Good Friday afternoon the liturgical celebration corresponding to the second day of the Paschal Triduum, in an atmosphere of deep contemplation and solemnity. At 7:30 PM the act began, presided over by the parish priest, Don Juan Carlo Medina, who, accompanied by the altar boys, made his entrance in absolute silence, emphasizing from the first moment the austere and awe-inspiring character of this day.
After performing the reverence to the altar, the priest prostrated himself on the ground, in a gesture laden with symbolism that expresses the humiliation of man before the mystery of the Cross, as well as the pain and sadness of the church in the commemoration of the Lord's Passion.
Subsequently, the readings were proclaimed; a fragment from the book of the prophet Isaiah, the letter to the Hebrews and, as the center of the celebration, the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint John. This moment was followed by the faithful with deep respect, attention, and visible emotion, in a silence that enveloped the temple.
Concluded the reading of the Passion, the celebrant offered the homily, in which he delved into os different passages proclaimed, inviting those present to a more intimate reflection on the meaning of Christ's sacrifice. The temple, which presented a full capacity within what was permitted, remained attentive to each of his words.
One of the most significant moments arrived with the entry of the image of the Crucified Lord, carried by committed young people from the parish, until it was placed next to the Main Altar. Next, the adoration of the Cross took place, during which the faithful paraded before the image, bowing their heads or kneeling as a sign of veneration, in a sincere manifestation of faith and devotion.
Subsequently, the Universal Prayer was raised, pronounced with breadth of intentions, making manifest the universal character of the Passion of Christ, delivered on the Cross for the salvation of all humanity.
As is tradition on this day, the consecration of bread and wine was not celebrated. The faithful communed with the consecrated hosts on Holy Thursday, in a gesture that underscores the unique and special character of Good Friday within the liturgical calendar. Once the distribution of communion concluded, the priest imparted the blessing, bringing the celebration to an end.
The liturgical chants, interpreted by the Parish Choir under the direction of professor Héctor Araya Alarcón, contributed to enhance the solemnity of the act, accompanying each moment with sobriety and sensitivity.
Immediately after, the grand procession of the Holy Burial took place, which paraded through the streets in an atmosphere of deep respect. The procession was led by the Music Band La Unión Musical de Lanzarote, directed by professor Pepe Artiles, whose 33 members, men and women, were dressed in strict mourning, providing a note of sobriety and elegance.
After them, the throne with the images of Saint John, Veronica, Saint Peter and Mary Magdalene paraded, followed by the celebrating priest. Next, the throne of the Recumbent Christ advanced slowly, preceding the image of his mother, Our Lady of Sorrows. The contemplation and emotion were reflected in the faces of the faithful as the images passed, in a silence only broken by the music and the rhythmic sound of the procession.
The day culminated with the procession of "Fervor", also known as the Fervorín of the Virgin of Sorrows, putting the final touch on a Good Friday lived with intensity, faith and deep devotion by the parish community.
