Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling ancient prophecies of a peaceful King.
It also marks the beginning of Holy Week.
On this day, the Church celebrates Christ’s Entrance into Jerusalem to accomplish his Paschal Mystery.
A key symbol is the palm branches, which signify the Messianic Kingship of Christ.
On this day, the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem is commemorated through a Solemn Procession.
This is in accord with ancient customs, in which the faithful imitate the Hebrew children who went forth to meet the Lord singing “Hosanna.”
In the procession, the people carry palm branches, which are blessed by the celebrant.
The palms should be taken home where they will serve as a reminder of Christ’s victory, which they celebrated in the procession.
Blessed palms are never thrown away; they are traditionally returned to churches to be burned for the following year’s Ash Wednesday.
Palm Sunday is a reminder that we are now approaching the most crucial part of the liturgical year.
Jesus approached Jerusalem with the most noble of all missions – mankind’s salvation. However, despite his Divine Nature, he still chose to put on humility.
May this day remind us of Christ’s foreknowledge, but great willingness to suffer and die for us.
It is also a challenge for us to truly shout “Hosanna, Filii David!” every day of our lives through faithful and loving witness to His message.