Bishop Robert Llanos, head of the Catholic Community in Antigua and Barbuda, called on worshippers to move beyond ritual observance and enter into a deeply personal encounter with Jesus Christ during solemn Good Friday liturgy at the Holy Family Cathedral.
According to Antigua News Room, the bishop addressed the faithful following the reading of the Passion, making clear that the significance of the day lies not in further explanation, but in quiet reflection on what has already been revealed.
"What did you come to hear today?" he asked the congregation. "Whatever you came to hear, you have heard it already… You have walked with the Church, with Jesus, through His crucifixion and death. We have heard all that we need to hear this evening."
Bishop Llanos then invited worshippers into a moment of silence and personal reflection, encouraging each person to place themselves spiritually at the tomb of Christ.
"So what I ask you to do now is to close your eyes and imagine that you are there in the tomb with Jesus," he said. "Make this moment in your spiritual life… an intimate moment between you and Jesus."
The bishop pressed the congregation to consider their own relationship with Christ in light of His suffering. "I want you to imagine what you would say to Jesus as you sit there with Him… knowing all that He had just been through… What would you personally want to say to Jesus? What would you ask Him?"
A period of silence followed, allowing worshippers to engage in what Bishop Llanos described as a "personal conversation" with Christ.
The wider liturgy reinforced the central themes of sacrifice, redemption and humility. Readings described Jesus as one who "was pierced through for our faults" and who bore suffering to bring healing to humanity. Additional scripture reminded the faithful that Christ understands human weakness, having been "tempted in every way… though He is without sin," and called on believers to approach God confidently in search of mercy and grace.
The service also featured a series of intercessory prayers offered for the Church, the Pope, clergy, public officials and those facing hardship — reflecting a broader call for unity, compassion and faith across society.
During the veneration of the cross, worshippers were invited to reflect on Christ's sacrifice as the "wood of the cross on which hung the salvation of the world," deepening the solemnity of the occasion.
At the conclusion of the service, the faithful were reminded of continuing Easter observances, including the start of the Novena of Divine Mercy and the upcoming Easter Vigil, with instructions to return with candles as part of the celebration.
The Good Friday message framed the day not simply as a commemoration of Christ's death, but as a call to deeper faith, personal reflection and spiritual renewal in preparation for Easter Sunday.
