Good Friday crowds are back

PETALING JAYA: Church services for Good Friday saw an all-time post-pandemic high, with Christians preferring to be physically present.

Checks at several churches found them packed with parishioners. These included the Church of St Francis Xavier and St Mary’s Anglican Cathedral.

Church of St Francis Xavier parish priest Rev Father Alvin Ng Sze Syn said there were larger crowds this year.

“It was an improvement from last year, with many more coming for mass instead of opting to join online. It is uncomfortable to sit through a lot of the prayers, but they do not mind,” he said.

The 3pm mass at the church was packed despite the afternoon heat, with many parishioners seated outside not seeming to mind the sweltering conditions.

Father Ng reminded the congregation that Good Friday was a good time for Catholics to think about the sufferings of others.

“When we are concerned with suffering, we are more likely to look out for those suffering in our society. Never forget about it, and pray for them,” he said.

Parishioner Alison Fernandez, 39, never misses Good Friday mass and yesterday she came with her husband and four-yearold daughter.

She said although her husband was a Hindu, he came to support her.

“I brought my daughter to teach her about the faith and she is learning how to pray. We are exposing her to both my husband’s and my religion – ultimately, it is important for her to have faith in God,” said the PHD student.

Dean of the St Mary’s Anglican Cathedral, the Very Reverend Dr Andrew Cheah, said extra services were offered this year because renovations in the front of the church had reduced the seating capacity.

Another pastor there, Rev Andy Ng Yze Yeang, said more people were coming back to church. “All our Good Friday services were full. We welcome everyone and for the Easter weekend, we anticipate 3,000 people coming,” he said.