Mangalore, April 10: Coastal Christian churches celebrated Jesus Royal entry to Jerusalem called Palm Sunday, before his crucifixation following Friday and resceraction after death called Easter on coming Sunday.
Including Bishop of Mangalore Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha and all the 124 churches of Mangalore diocesan people attending the obligations Sunday mass.
Earlier the tender leave's of coconut tree are blessed by every priests at their churches and distributed amongst all the devotees of all age.
Later on a procession from all including priest were entered the churches for hour long pooja called mass.
Today's ceremony including longest bible reading till Jesus buried in a new tomb and as the day is Friday evening and preparation for next days SHABBAT for Jews .
This day Christian host way of the Cross to hills and celebrate 14 stations of Jesus Christ painful death and crucification.
Different countries use different palm leaves. We use coconut leave's, and in Israel olive tree's branches where Jesus Christ lived and crucified two thousand years back.
Valencia Parish
Valencia Church: Fr Rock DSA ,Fr Lancy Dsouza, Fr Barokus
Angelore Parish
Palm Sunday celebration at Guardian Angel church Angelore. Fr William Menezes Parish priest officiated the celebration together with Fr Lawrence Cutinho Asst parish priest
St. Antony Ashram
St Anthony ashram. Fr Onil Dsouza Director, J B Crasta
Bendur Parish
The Palms was blessed at St Theresa School Grounds at 7.15 am then procession to the Church followed by mass in the Church. The Gurkars and Parish Perished Council members, volunteers were present during the procession
Urwa Parish
Urwa Ladyhill Church. Mass at 7.00am Fr Rahul Dexter D'Souza main celebrant and Parish Priest Fr Benjamin Pinto concelebrated. Nearly 1000people participated in this beautiful ceremony. Parish Priest Urwa.
Additional News by Fr. Anil Fernandes, Canara Communications
Marking the first day of the Holy Week, Christians in Mangalore celebrated Palm Sunday to commemorate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem before he was arrested and crucified. Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, led the procession and Holy Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral, Mangalore.
In his homily Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha said, “Jesus entered Jerusalem, a city of Peace (Salem) as a King Peace to liberate people from the bondages of sin. Jesus asked his disciples to untie a donkey and get it for him to march towards Jerusalem. On this day, Jesus invites us to untie ourselves from evil things and offer our hearts to him, that he may liberate us and save us from all evil forces around us.”
