BEAUMONT, Texas — Christians across Southeast Texas and the world observed Good Friday on March 29. 12News stopped by St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica for this afternoon's liturgies.
Good Friday is a day when the church commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is often observed by fasting and special acts of discipline and self-denial.
It's a solemn time and for many Christians remembering the sacrifice on the cross makes Easter even more meaningful.
Hundreds gathered at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica Friday to observe Good Friday.
"At noon we had the stations of the cross where we go through those moments of Christ's passion. When he falls. When Veronica wipes his face. When Simon of Cyrene helps to carry the cross. We make it real," said Catholic Diocese of Beaumont Bishop David Toups.
Bishop Toups reminds the faithful of the sacrifice Jesus made for the whole world.
"We will read the whole passion narrative. Where we will come up and literally venerate the cross. We'll kiss the cross. Because this is the sign of our salvation," he said.
It's a solemn reflection of what makes Good Friday important to Christians.
"His sacrifice shows us the depths of his love for us," Bishop Toups said.
Across town Good Friday has become a day of service.
For the past 15 years the Harvest For Lost Souls ministry has dedicated 24 hours of service to their community and their lord.
"Serving the golden triangle with random acts of kindness for 24 hours around the clock," said Harvest For Lost Souls Executive Pastor Deanna Andrews.
Pastor Andrews is kicking off this Easter weekend with a prayer rally followed by distributing food to those who need it most.
"We'll serve probably about 200, 300 people. We'll be cleaning up numerous blocks throughout the community," she said.
Pastor Andrews says Good Friday means sacrificing their entire day to be there for their brothers and sisters.
"We'll be in Lumberton, Orange, Port Arthur, Vidor, Beaumont. It's our desire to see people and to impact people in a better way and to make them become better," Pastor Andrews told 12News.
Back at the cathedral Bishop Toups says the solemn Good Friday liturgy can make the Easter celebration even more joyful.
"You think of a parent that says, 'I love you this much.' Well that's what Jesus did. He said I love you this much. He died for us at the cross. As we prepare for Easter Sunday. Because it's all about not his death, but it's all about the resurrection," Bishop Toups shared with 12News.
Members of Harvest For Lost Souls will continue their acts of service until 2 p.m. Saturday. March 29.