MANILA, Philippines—Filipino Catholics will once again flock to the churches nationwide, waving their palm leaves to commemorate Palm Sunday on March 29, marking the beginning of Holy Week.
Palm Sunday honors Jesus Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem prior to his resurrection. As Jesus entered the city on a donkey, people gathered and laid palm branches and their cloaks across Jesus’ path.
The observation dates back to the late 4th century in Jerusalem, where early devotees reenacted Jesus's entry into the city, said Britannica.
In earlier times, the palm leaves symbolized victory in the ancient world.
The day also marks the beginning of the Holy Week and the last week of the Lenten season , one of the most significant events for Filipino Catholics.
Fr. Jade Licunan of Quiapo Church said this time of the Holy Week is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and prioritize spiritual activities during this sacred time.
In his homily on Saturday. Licuanan emphasized the significance of Holy Week as a period for silence and prayer, encouraging individuals to shift their focus from leisure plans to meaningful faith-based practices.
