This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week! Here are 3 things to know about today!
1. What is this day called?
The day is called both “Palm Sunday” and “Passion Sunday.” The first name comes from the fact that it commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when the crowd had palm branches. The second name comes from the fact that the narrative of the Passion is read on this Sunday (it otherwise wouldn't be read on a Sunday, since the next Sunday is about the Resurrection).
2. One of the notable features of the day is a procession before Mass. Why do we do this and how is it supposed to work?
The commemoration of the entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem has, according to ancient custom, been celebrated with a solemn procession, in which the faithful in song and gesture imitate the Hebrew children who went to meet the Lord singing “Hosanna.” The congregation should assemble in a secondary church or chapel or in some other suitable place distinct from the church to which the procession will move…The palms or branches are blessed so that they can be carried in the procession. The palms should be taken home where they will serve as a reminder of the victory of Christ be given which they celebrated in the procession.
3. What should we do with our Palms after Mass?
Afterwards you are more than welcome to take your branches home. They should not be kept as amulets, or for therapeutic or magical reasons to dispel evil spirits or to prevent the damage these cause in the fields or in the homes, all of which can assume a certain superstitious guise. Many people may braid them into crosses. This is fine as long it is done after Mass and not during Mass or the Homily! We keep them in the home as a witness to faith in Jesus Christ, the messianic king, and in his Paschal Victory.
- Fr. Andrew