Good morning. Today is the 97^th day of the year. It is Good Friday, observed in commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus. Historians consider Good Friday to be the oldest Christian celebration.
 
Well-known people who were born today include Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, singer-songwriter Merle Haggard (“Mama Tried,” “Okie from Muskogee”), computer-conductor Andre  Previn, scientist James Watson (one of the discoverers of the structure of DNA) and actor Billy Dee Williams (Lady Sings the Blues, Return of the Jedi).

 
Today, beginning at 7 p.m., Italian-American Catholics and others from the tri-state area will come to the Church of Sacred Hearts and St. Stephen at 125 Summit St., the oldest traditionally Italian parish in Brooklyn, for the parish’s traditional Good Friday procession. The procession will begin at 7 p.m. in front of the church, proceed through the neighborhood, then conclude at the church for a brief prayer service.