Thousands of pilgrims and devotees from all over Malaysia and Singapore paid traditional Good Friday homage and thanksgiving at Malaysia's oldest Catholic serving edifice — the 1710 St Peter's Church.

For many, the trip to St. Peter's was a pilgrimage they had pledged to make every year. Others came to make vows to witness blessings from God.

Dominic Seet Peng Chaing, a Buddhist, has not failed to attend prayers for the last 17 years. The 52-year-old restaurant owner from Kuala Pilah said Good Friday had always been special for him.

"I came in 1992 along with Catholic friends after learning that the ceremonies being conducted on this day are unique," he said.

Reverend Gompok carrying the cross while SFA Church parishioners pray during the Ways of the Cross procession in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

He said he made a vow to return to the church each year if his prayers for family unity was answered by God.

"In 2004, my prayers were fulfilled. Since then, my wife and I make it to St. Peter's to give thanksgiving," he added.

For members of the Portuguese-Eurasian community here, especially those from the settlement in Ujong Pasir, Good Friday is a time for reunions.

This is because many who left Malacca to work elsewhere or had migrated, make it a point to return to observe Good Friday and Easter Sunday with their family members, relatives and friends.

For 52-year Steven Alvarez, who migrated to Singapore 28 years ago, visiting Malacca and St Peter's is a must during the Holy Week.

"Since moving to Singapore, I have never failed to be back at St Peter's and the settlement during the Easter weekend.

"Like Christmas, it is a time for reunions and for catching up with the family and friends at the settlement," he said.