Procession of the Way of the Cross on Good Friday

In an atmosphere of deep reverence, the faithful gathered on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, within the grounds of the Convent of the Cross to take part in the Stations of the Cross. This annual tradition dates back to the time of the Blessed Abouna Yaacoub, who was keen to celebrate this devotion with the people, gathering around the Cross hearts that were tested, yet filled with hope in God’s mercy.

This year, participation was particularly large: a great number of faithful gathering to join in prayer and to walk with Christ along the path of His Passion. The celebration was honored by the presence of His Excellency Bishop Antoine Bou Najm, Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy of Antelias, who accompanied the people throughout the Stations of the Cross procession, sharing with them this sacred moment of meditation and prayer.

The procession began at the administration building and moved through the various meditative stations until it reached the outer esplanade of the Shrine of the Blessed Abouna Yaacoub. There, prayers and hymns rose in a deeply prayerful and fervent atmosphere. His Excellency delivered a homily in which he expressed his emotion at being in this place which was visited by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on December 2 of last year. In his message, he emphasized the meaning of the Cross as it is lived today in our daily reality, particularly in light of the difficult security circumstances our country is experiencing. He spoke in a special way about the resilience of our families in the South, as well as the suffering and sacrifices they endure, inviting everyone to remain steadfast in hope and to hold firmly to the faith that the Resurrection is always born from the very heart of suffering.

At the end of the celebration, the faithful received the blessing by passing beneath the Crucified Christ. The event was broadcast live on the MTV channel at 3:00 p.m., allowing many believers to join from a distance.