On this solemn Good Friday, the streets of Lira City were filled with devotion and reverence as thousands of Christian faithful participated in the annual Way of the Cross procession, commemorating the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The event, marked by spiritual reflection and unity, brought together both Anglican and Catholic communities in a powerful display of faith, with traffic halting across the city to accommodate the massive turnout.
Led by Bishop of the Dioces of Lango in the Church of Uganda, The Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, the Anglican procession, organized by All Saints Cathedral Boroboro, saw an unprecedented attendance of over 80,000 faithful.
The procession began in the morning, with participants carrying a wooden cross engraved with the words symbolizing the journey of Christ to the cross.
The faithful marched through key city routes, including Obote Avenue, which became a sea of worshippers reflecting on the Stations of the Cross.

A significant moment in the Anglican procession occurred at the Clement Grand Mall junction, where the seventh station was dedicated to the Lord, symbolizing perfection and spiritual renewal for Lira City’s business center.
The procession culminated at the Mayor’s Garden, where the Bishop led prayers, drawing a record-breaking crowd in a moment of collective worship.

Simultaneously, the Catholic faithful of Lira Diocese, led by Rt. Rev. Bishop Prof. Sanctus Lino Wanok gathered along Obote Avenue for their own Way of the Cross procession.
The Catholic procession focused on the traditional devotion of retracing Jesus Christ’s journey to Calvary, with participants pausing at each station to pray and meditate on Christ’s suffering and sacrifice.

The event was a poignant reminder of the spiritual significance of Good Friday, a day of mourning and reflection in the Christian calendar.
The Way of the Cross, a central ritual during Holy Week, holds deep meaning for Christians worldwide, recalling the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion.
In Lira City, the processions were not only a religious observance but also a communal act of solidarity, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds.

Local authorities ensured smooth coordination, with traffic management measures in place to accommodate the large gatherings.
The temporary standstill of Lira City’s bustling streets was a testament to the significance of the occasion, as businesses and residents paused to honor the sacred day.
As the processions concluded, the faithful expressed gratitude for the opportunity to come together in prayer and reflection.
The Way of the Cross in Lira City served as a powerful reminder of the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and hope central to Good Friday, setting the stage for the upcoming Easter celebrations.

Written by

Francis Oyet

Oyet Francis Opwonya, known commonly as Francis L’Oyet is a Ugandan South Sudanese investigative journalist and software engineer. Oyet is the founder and CEO of Oyet Broadcasting Services (OBS Network), an innovation hub and headquarters of The Northern Press in Uganda and The Malakal Press, located in Malakal City, Upper Nile State in the Greater Upper Nile region of South Sudan