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Six things every Catholic should know about Palm Sunday

Six things every Catholic should know about Palm Sunday

Six things every Catholic should know about Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday
Jesus entry into Jerusalem. St-Germain-des-Pres Church. Shutterstock

Palm Sunday occupies a noteworthy position in the liturgical calendar for Catholics around the globe. It signals the commencement of Holy Week and celebrates the Lord’s victorious arrival in Jerusalem. As we ready our spirits for this important occasion, here are six essential elements that every Catholic ought to understand about Palm Sunday:

1. On Palm Sunday, Catholics carry palm fronds as a reflection of the Gospel.

The practice of using palm branches on Palm Sunday originates from the Gospel accounts, in which the multitude greeted Jesus as He entered Jerusalem by placing palm branches along the path ahead of Him. “When the large crowd that had arrived for the festival heard that Jesus was approaching Jerusalem, they took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting: ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel’” (Jn 12:12-3).

Palms signify triumph and tranquility in historical societies, and for Catholics, they embody Christ’s triumph over mortality and the dominion of peace within his realm.

2. Palm Sunday is alternatively referred to as Passion Sunday.

In the Roman MissalThe official designation of the celebration is “Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord,” yet Catholics frequently refer to this Sunday as “Passion Sunday.” This dual naming underscores the opposing themes of Jesus’ triumphant arrival in Jerusalem and the grave expectation of his suffering. The liturgical service commences with a joyful remembrance of his entry, represented by the blessing and sharing of palms. Nevertheless, a grave atmosphere envelops the proceedings as the Mass continues. A serious recitation of the Passion story readies the congregation for the forthcoming events of Holy Week.

3. The Mass on Palm Sunday features a procession.

One of the most visually captivating aspects of Palm Sunday is the processionIn numerous parishes, congregants assemble outside the church to collect blessed palms, afterwards moving inside in a dignified procession, mimicking Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. The Roman Missal indicates, “Thus, the commemoration of this Lord’s entry occurs at all Masses, through the procession or the Solemn entrance prior to the principal Mass or the Simple Entrance before other Masses.” This procession acts as both a physical and spiritual voyage, encouraging those involved to contemplate their own path with Christ. In certain nations, like Malta, the parades are particularly lively.

Palm Sunday
Photo by Grant Whitty on Unsplash

4. On Palm Sunday, clergy don red vestments.

The liturgical hue for Palm Sunday is red, representing the blood that Jesus spilled during his Passion. On this occasion, the red garments donned by priests and deacons strongly evoke Jesus’ agony and sacrifice for our redemption.

Traditionally, red has been linked to royalty as well. The Gospels portray Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem as a regal parade. The application of red on Palm Sunday can likewise be viewed as a representation of Christ’s regal honor, even though He was facing a journey of suffering ahead.

5. The Passion story plays a significant part in the Palm Sunday liturgy.

The narrative of Jesus’ demise is a key component of the Palm Sunday service. It describes the occurrences that precede the Lord’s crucifixion, starting from the Last Supper with his followers to his passing on the Cross. Hearing the the Passion narrative, the devoted are encouraged to reflect on the magnitude of Christ’s love and the truth of human wrongdoing.

6. Palm Sunday ought to be recognized as a day for contemplation and rejuvenation.

Palm Sunday provides Catholics with a unique chance for contemplation and spiritual rejuvenation. It signifies the beginning of Holy Week, a period to meditate on the enigmas of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. The faithful are urged to engage fully in the Holy Week ceremonies, embracing the Paschal Mystery with receptive hearts and minds.

The Passion story encourages Catholics to reflect on their individual lives. During a Palm Sunday sermon, Pope Francis highlighted the figures in the Passion story and inquired, “Where is my heart? To which of these individuals do I resemble?”

With the arrival of Palm Sunday, Catholics around the globe have the opportunity to engage with the deep-rooted customs and significant representations of the celebration. In this way, we strengthen our beliefs, come nearer to Jesus, and get ready to celebrate the joy of Easter with revitalized spirits.

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