In the solemn ceremonies of Good Friday, in the Adoration of the Cross, in the chanting of the 'Reproaches', in the reading of the Passion, and in receiving the pre-consecrated Host, we unite ourselves to our Savior, and we contemplate our own death to sin in the Death of our Lord.  The Church - stripped of its ornaments, the altar bare, and with the door of the empty tabernacle standing open - as if in mourning. The liturgical observance of this day of Christ's suffering, crucifixion and death has been in existence from the earliest days of the Church. No Mass is celebrated on this day.   The omission of the prayer of consecration deepens our sense of loss because Mass throughout the year reminds us of the Lord's triumph over death, the source of our joy and blessing. The desolate quality of the rites of this day reminds us of Christ's humiliation and suffering during his Passion.