For the longest time, many have wondered what makes Good Friday ‘good’, given the suffering Jesus went through till his death on this day, making its commemoration a dark and bleak event.   

In an article by Justin Holcomb, "What’s So Good about Good Friday?” he writes, "For Christians, Good Friday is a crucial day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation.”

"It is called ‘good’ because it holds the promise of the resurrection of Jesus and his victory over death and sin,” says Fr Tito Mutemangando, a Kigali-based priest.

He explains that the journey to Easter starts on Holy Thursday, when Jesus washed the feet of his apostles, and then had the last supper. 

"Then comes Good Friday, a day of fasting and repentance traditionally requiring Catholics to refrain from eating meat because it is regarded as a feast while they are mourning. 

"There is no Mass and no celebration of the Eucharist on this day, church bells are silent and altars are left bare. The commemoration goes on till Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil when Christians observe the end of the Lenten season,” Fr Mutemangando says.

The Lenten season is a period of 40 days that comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. It starts on Ash Wednesday. It is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.

Holy Saturday falls on the day before Easter Sunday, to commemorate the final day of Christ’s death—the day commemorates the ‘Harrowing of Hell’ while Jesus Christ’s body lay in the tomb.

"Hence, the celebration of Easter, and the essence of Christian celebrations,” the priest says.

Easter is when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ. It is described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary. 

"Good Friday is a very significant day for us because it reminds us of the pain Jesus was inflicted, the abandonment from his people, and his entire journey of suffering up to the crucifixion,” shares Fr Mutemangando.

"It reminds us also of those who stayed with him all the way, including his mother, Mary Magdalene, whom he cleansed of seven demons and the first person to see him after the resurrection, his favourite disciple, and others,” he continues, "it calls us to be near Jesus and cast all our fears, sufferings and trouble with his.”

Santha Nadine Isimbi, a catholic, shares a similar view. "This is a reminder of how much Jesus loved us and went through all this to finally grant us salvation through his victory against death and sin,” she says.

"When I sin, it is like I crucify Jesus on the cross again so going through Good Friday keeps me from sinning,” says Classie Agape Kanigi, a Kigali resident. "Reflecting on his death with faith that he resurrected reaffirms my faith and comforts me,” she adds.

Fr Mutemangando appreciates the fact that Good Friday is a public holiday. "It gives time to mourn, reflect and be with our Saviour without having to worry about other preoccupations,” he says.

In Rwanda, as it is in many other places around the world, Good Friday is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses close for the day.