Poland holds 'Night of Confessionals'

Parishioner queue up at a confessional in Szczecin, north west Poland.Photo: PAP/Marcin Bielecki

120 churches across the country took part in the event, with confessions being heard until 6 am on Good Friday.

The event was initiated by priests in Szczecin, north west Poland, as a means of reaching out to those who are so bogged down with work or otherwise busy that they are unable to find time to confess during normal hours.

Meanwhile, scenes from the Passion Play will attract hundreds of pilgrims on Good Friday to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a UNESCO-listed monastery in southern Poland.

Christ's walk to the Crucifixion will be staged today, with monks from the Bernardine monastery taking part, as tradition dictates.

Echoing the Crucifixion, Good Friday is the most mournful stage of Holy Week. No masses are held, but the churches fill up with the faithful, with solemn prayers said across the country.

On Saturday, the tone becomes more upbeat. Families get dressed up and take little baskets of victuals to church, where the priest blesses them in a custom known as Swiecone (The Blessed).

Easter Sunday, when Christ emerged from his tomb, mainly revolves around the family, and Poles host elaborate so-called Easter breakfasts, which typically start at around midday and last for several hours. (nh)