Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, March 25, 2024 : Christians begin Holy Week celebrations on Palm Sunday. With the blessing of the palms and proceeding in procession, they remember the Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem when people laid palms to welcome him shouting Hosanna to the king of kings.

This week is dear to Christians for it is in this week they deeply reflect on the love of God shown to them in the passion, death and resurrection of His Son, Lord Jesus Christ. The foundation to their identity as Christians is laid this week.

While they rejoice in God’s saving grace through his Son, they are also reminded of their sinful state of life. Jesus through his suffering and death on the cross has redeemed the sinners from the bondage of sin and thus freed them once again to become the children of God. The glory once lost in Eden is restored by the unfathomable sacrifice on Calvary.

A procession with Jesus carrying the cross and Mary accompanying her Son closely reminds Christians that they too are an integral part in the journey Christ undertakes for the love of His people. Jesus’ command to His disciples ‘If you wish to be my disciple, take up the cross and follow me’ echoes in every step that they take in following Him. It is a reminder for all of them that unless they die to themselves, to their comforts, their sins and passions of the world, they cannot rise like Christ.

The parishioners of Milagres also began their journey along with the rest of the church to closely accompany Christ in his final journey to victory. Rev. Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, the parish priest of Our Lady of Miracles church, Milagres, Mangalore celebrated the Eucharist and led this procession symbolic of their entry into the Holy Week.