Palm Sunday — 28-29 March

Palm Sunday, the final Sunday of Lent, marks the beginning of Holy Week. On this day, we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, when crowds welcomed him with joy—waving branches and calling out, “Hosanna!”—even as he was moving toward his Passion and Death.

Palm Sunday Procession

The Gospel tells us that Jesus entered the city riding on a donkey, fulfilling the words of the prophet Zechariah: a king who comes in humility and peace. The people spread cloaks and branches along the road, greeting him with hope and excitement: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Yet Palm Sunday holds both joy and sorrow. The same crowd that welcomes Jesus will soon turn away. In a single liturgy, we begin with celebration and then listen to the reading of the Passion. This reminds us how quickly hearts can change, and invites us to reflect on our own faithfulness.

The palms we carry are simple but meaningful signs. They remind us of victory, peace, and new life. As we hold them and join in the procession, we are not just remembering a past event, we are welcoming Christ into our own lives today.

During Mass, our palms are blessed and we walk together in procession, recalling that first entrance into Jerusalem. Many people take their palms home afterward, placing them somewhere visible as a quiet reminder of faith and trust in Christ. When returned next year, these palms will be burned to make the ashes for Ash Wednesday, connecting one Lenten season to the next.

Above all, Palm Sunday invites us to walk with Jesus. It asks us to follow him not only in moments of joy, but also on the path of the Cross, trusting that this journey leads to new life.

As we begin Holy Week, may we open our hearts to Christ more deeply, walking with him in faith, hope, and love.

Watch a dramatization of Palm Sunday from The Chosen.