‘It was gorgeous': Archbishop Weisenburger leads his first Good Friday liturgy in Detroit
A heavy silence fell over the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Friday as Archbishop Edward Weisenburger and his ministers lay facedown before the bare altar — a gesture of humility and mourning during the solemn Good Friday liturgy.
More than 100 parishioners bowed in stillness, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
Installed just a month earlier, Weisenburger led his first Good Friday service as Detroit's new Catholic archbishop on April 18 at the historic Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Woodward Avenue, a liturgy filled with reverence and reflection.
Father JJ Mech, rector of the cathedral, praised Weisenburger's leadership, calling him "an amazing speaker" who brings a new sense of hope.
"He doesn't take anything lightly… he really puts himself into these ceremonies," Mech said. "With this being the holiest week of the year, and his first (in Detroit), all eyes are on him as our new shepherd."
In his homily, Weisenburger reflected on the significance of Calvary, the hill outside Jerusalem where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, and a personal pilgrimage he made to the site.
"To visit Calvary today is to encounter the place where history's greatest sacrifice was offered, where the Lamb of God was slaughtered, where the Prince of Peace stretched out his arms for the salvation of the world," Weisenburger told the crowd. "Today, in this beautiful cathedral church, we strive to do what pilgrims have done in Jerusalem for generations — we seek to connect with the mystery of the passion."
The archbishop also described how standing before the site of the crucifixion evokes a profound realization.
"As you approach that sacred spot, you're struck by something unexpected. You realize there's really only one way to touch Calvary — you have to go down on your knees," he said. "But then you discover, too, that there is only one way to move on, and that is by rising."
The Good Friday liturgy, one of the most solemn observances in the Catholic calendar, includes scripture readings, the chanting of the passion narrative, the veneration of the cross and communion.
More: New Detroit archbishop becomes head of archdiocese: I see 'Christ in you'
For some attendees, the service stirred deep spiritual emotions.
On her way out of the cathedral, Rosemary Shamoon, 65, of Birmingham, said she felt as if she had been transported to the Holy Land.
'I've never experienced this before,' she told the Free Press. 'You're just immersed in it. It gives you goosebumps.'
Rosemary attended the service with her husband, Sam Shamoon, 64. The couple have visited the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament several times over the years, but never for Good Friday.
'I want to do it every year,' Rosemary said.
"I've never heard the gospel prayed like that before in my life," Sam added. "It was gorgeous."
Ronita Phillips, 50, of Southfield, said being around others who share her faith brings her joy and peace — feelings she carried with her as she left the Good Friday service.
'I always feel welcome here,' Phillips said. 'Because I serve God, I love to be in the atmosphere of other people that serve Him as well.'
Anyone looking for Catholic Mass times or livestreamed services in the Archdiocese of Detroit can go to MassFinder.org. The website, run by the archdiocese, lists schedules and locations across the region.
Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Archbishop Weisenburger leads his first Good Friday liturgy in Detroit
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