The letters IHS, encircled by a crown of thorns, are mounted on the pediment of the north projection. IHS represents a Christogram, a combination of letters forming an abbreviation for the name of Jesus Christ. Derived from the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus (Ἰησοῦς), IHS consists of iota (Ι), eta (Η), and sigma (Σ).
The faithful are invited to approach and venerate the cross, often by kissing it, touching it, or bowing before it. This act of reverence enables worshippers to establish a personal connection with the Passion of Christ.
The Blessed Sacrament, consecrated on Maundy Thursday, is brought forward from its location for the Communion ceremony. The hosts are stored in a tabernacle, which is shrouded in a veil—a locked box where the Eucharist (consecrated communion hosts) is stored as part of the ‘reserved sacrament’ rite.
The unveiled crucifix is reverently taken back to the Altar of Repose, marking the conclusion of the Eucharist ceremony. A cross-bearer leads the procession, followed by two servers carrying lighted candles. Father Vernon Aguiar, acting rector of the basilica since 2023, follows at the end.
During Lent, the crucifix is draped with purple cloth, symbolizing mourning and sorrow for the suffering and death of Jesus. Purple, the liturgical colour for Lent, represents penance, humility, and sorrow for sin.
The Good Friday choir provides background music and performs songs dedicated to Jesus, enriching the spiritual atmosphere and adding to the reverence of the occasion.
Good Friday Mass includes Scripture readings, with a focus on Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion. The narration typically commences with two individuals portraying Jesus’ followers, engaging the audience in a discussion about the events leading up to the crucifixion.
The Good Friday communion is distinctive in that it does not involve Eucharistic consecration. Instead, the hosts consecrated on Maundy Thursday are distributed among the devout. The priests or ministers take communion first, followed by the assembly. The hosts are distributed to the faithful as symbols of bread and wine, offered by Jesus to his disciples during The Last Supper.
In the last two weeks of Lent, known as Passiontide, the focus is on Christ’s suffering. Covering the crucifix and other sacred images during this period intensifies this emphasis on the Passion narrative. Veiling the crucifix directs the faithful’s attention toward Scripture readings and Lenten rituals, encouraging a deeper engagement with the Word of God.
Christians gather at the high altar to touch the crucifixion, particularly the Five Holy Wounds. In Catholic tradition, these wounds refer to the five penetrating wounds that Jesus Christ received during his crucifixion. In the background is the coat of arms of Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, with the phrase ‘To Reconcile All Things in Christ’ appearing on top.