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As a Franciscan Third Order member, Good Friday is a deeply significant part of my spiritual journey. On April 3rd, 2026, I will join Franciscans worldwide in commemorating the Passion and death of Jesus Christ, drawing from the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi.

For Franciscans, Good Friday is approached with humility, reflection, and a desire to follow Christ’s path. Our traditions connect us to centuries of devotion and personally invite us to embrace Christ’s sacrifice and live the values of compassion and service.

Below, I share an overview of how Franciscans honour Good Friday, highlighting the practices and traditions that shape this sacred day.

Franciscans and Good Friday: Key Practices

The Franciscans, as a Catholic religious order, place special significance on Good Friday. Their observances highlight deep devotion and humility, drawing on the spirituality of their founder, St. Francis of Assisi.

Key Practices of Franciscans on Good Friday:

1. Liturgy of the Passion:
   Franciscans participate in the universal Catholic “Celebration of the Lord’s Passion” on Good Friday. This includes the reading of the Passion narrative from the Gospel of John, solemn prayers, veneration of the cross, and Holy Communion (though no Mass is celebrated that day).
2. Veneration of the Cross:
   A central part of Franciscan Good Friday observance is the veneration of the cross, often done with profound reverence and sometimes accompanied by Franciscan hymns or prayers, reflecting St. Francis’s own devotion to the crucified Christ.
3. Stations of the Cross:
   The Franciscans are closely associated with the popularization of the Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis), a devotional practice walking with Christ through the events of His Passion. Many Franciscan communities lead public Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, sometimes outdoors or even through the streets.
4. Silence and Fasting:
   Franciscans, like many Catholics, observe fasting and a spirit of silence and contemplation on Good Friday, meditating on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. The atmosphere in Franciscan churches and friaries is typically subdued and reflective.
5. Custodianship of the Holy Places:
   The Franciscans have been the official custodians of many Christian holy sites in the Holy Land for centuries, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. On Good Friday, Franciscans in Jerusalem lead the traditional “Way of the Cross” along the Via Dolorosa, retracing Jesus’ path to Calvary, often joined by pilgrims from around the world.
6. Special Prayers and Franciscan Devotions:
   Franciscans may add their own prayers and devotions inspired by St. Francis, such as meditating on the wounds of Christ or reflecting on themes of humility and penance.

In summary:

On Good Friday, Franciscans express their spirituality by focusing on Christ’s Passion through ceremonies such as the liturgy, veneration of the cross, Stations of the Cross, silence, fasting, and prayer. These practices embody humility, compassion, and a deep connection to the sacrifice of Jesus, in keeping with Franciscan tradition.

Brother Eric Michel, Chaplain, M.I.