Palm Sunday Celebration - Angelus Prayer - Pope Francis
We prepare to accompany the Lord in his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The path we begin during Holy Week leads from death to life, a path that we are called to walk together.
Lord Jesus, with this palm branch we accompany you today
as we remember your entry into Jerusalem. Through our presence in the church,
we declare that we are your followers and that you are the King of kings.
Now we ask you to protect our family from all evil
and make us witnesses of your love and peace,
so that one day we may reign with you in the heavenly Jerusalem,
where you live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
What Do We Celebrate on Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. We celebrate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, acclaimed by the crowd as the Messiah.
The Gospel of Matthew tells how the crowd covered the road before Jesus with branches and cried out: “Blessed is he who comes as King in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.”
Why Do We Carry Branches on Palm Sunday?
This tradition dates back to fourth-century Jerusalem. The faithful carry palm or olive branches and sing appropriate hymns. Priests and ministers also carry branches as they lead the people in procession.
The Blessing of Palms and Branches
The palms and branches are blessed before the procession. They may then be kept in our homes beside crosses and religious images as reminders of the victory of the Lord Jesus at Easter.