The cross of Christ is the key to Paradise
Photos and video from Good Friday 2026 at St George’s Cathedral with Archbishop John
Archbishop John Wilson presided at the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion at St George's Cathedral on Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. The faithful adored the Holy Cross, before which all knelt in silence, venerating the wood on which hung the salvation of the world.
Preaching at the Solemn Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord, Archbishop John said:
No matter what we have done, we must have utter confidence in the cross of Christ and the forgiveness that flows from it. So we come today to make our act of faith in the cross of Christ, to renew our trust in the power of Christ's forgiveness. Today, you and I venerate the cross, praying Jesus, remember me when I come into your Kingdom.
St Jerome said, the cross of Christ is the key to Paradise. The key to Heaven. Dear friends, in our own moments of despair, when we doubt and we know our weakness: Let us venerate Christ's cross with the hope of sharing eternity with so great a King.
Let us live in trusting anticipation that by God's mercy, we too will come to the joy of Heaven. Let us, in our poverty and our limitations, nonetheless approach life, and especially the hour of our own death, with faith that believes that we will see Jesus as we to pray: Jesus, remember me in your Kingdom. Amen.
The Solemn Intercessions included prayers for the Holy Church, the Pope, catechumens, the unity of Christians, the Jewish people, those who do not believe in Christ or in God, those in public office, and those in tribulation. Prayers were also offered for those who have been harmed by abuse, especially those within the Church.
Archbishop John has also written for the Pillar on Good Friday and the cross, which you can read here.
