In Harrisburg, Sen. Doug Mastriano from Pennsylvania’s 33rd district has put forward a bill proposing the recognition of Good Friday as a state holiday. This initiative underlines a nod to both historical and spiritual elements within the state.
Sen. Mastriano remarked on the significance of the day for Christians globally, noting, “Christians observe Good Friday with fasting, mourning, prayer and worship. It is a solemn remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice: God incarnate, crucified for the salvation of mankind. Without Good Friday, there is no Easter Sunday. Without the cross, there is no resurrection. And without these events, there is no Christianity.”
Currently, many institutions in Pennsylvania, such as schools, courts, and offices, either close or have reduced hours on Good Friday. Making it an official holiday would align state policies with existing practices, allowing families to engage in observance without conflicts arising from work or education commitments.
Mastriano further emphasized the values associated with Good Friday, stating, “The values symbolized by Good Friday – self-sacrifice, mercy, humility, redemption – are not merely religious sentiments. They are truths that have shaped Western civilization, our legal code, our concept of justice, and our understanding of human dignity. These ideals are what inspired William Penn, who was a devout Christian, to establish our very commonwealth. Christianity is not one of many cultural influences on Pennsylvania – it is the root.”
Some states, including New Jersey, Delaware, North Carolina, Texas, and Kentucky, already acknowledge Good Friday as a state holiday.
For more information, contact Don Beishl at 717-787-6701.
