Christians observe ‘Palm Sunday’ in Udupi/ Mangaluru signifying the beginning of Holy Week
Udupi: Christians across Udupi district on March 25, observed the Palm Sunday, commemorating the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem ahead of his crucifixion and resurrection, marking the beginning of the Holy Week.
Devotees were seen flocking to their respective churches with palm leaves to mark the occasion.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi Diocese celebrated the Palm Sunday Service at the Mother of Sorrows Church Udupi.
The Faithful congregated in churches of various Christian denominations across the district and took out processions carrying palm leaves, symbolising the reception given to Jesus when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Holding the blessed palm fronds in their hands, the devotees, irrespective of age, also took out processions in villages and towns.
The faithful will observe fast and hold special prayers in the next week until Easter Sunday on April 1, marking Christ’s resurrection after crucifixion on March 30, the Good Friday.
Additional Pics by Louis D’Souza Sastan
Palm Sunday Marks Beginning of Holy Week at Holy Cross Church Cordel
Pics by Kiran Fernandes, Team Mangalorean
Palm Sunday Marks Beginning of Holy Week
By Fr Ivan D’Souza
Mangaluru: Palm Sunday was celebrated at Infant Mary Church on March 25.
The blessing of the Palms, was held near Opus Spiritus Sancti convent. Parish Priest Fr Alwyn Sequeira, along with Fr Shabas Crasta and Fr Ivan D’souza blessed the palms and distributed to the faithful.
Devotees with palm leaves took part in the procession singing hymns and reciting prayers to commemorate Christ’s passion and death. After the procession solemn Mass was celebrated in remembrance of the passion of Christ.
Palm Sunday is also known as the Passion Sunday. The Palm Sunday is celebrated in two parts. In the first part of the service, we remember the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem acclaimed by all the people. The procession started from Bethany, the village of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, and ended in the Temple of Jerusalem. During the second part of the service in the church, the people read and reflect the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
