Palm Sunday Commemorated with Blessing of Palms and Procession in Phoenix
Holy Week began with the blessing and distribution of palms, followed by a procession, which was officiated by Prior Fr. Steven McDonald
Why is this day called Palm Sunday?
In memory of our Savior’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, when the multitude strewed palm branches before Him, for which reason the Church, on this day, blesses palms, and carries them in procession.
Why are palms blessed?
That those who carry them with devotion, or keep them in their houses, may receive protection of soul and body, as prayed for in the blessing; that those who carry the palms may, by means of the prayers of the Church, adorn their souls with good works and thus, in spirit, meet the Savior; that, through Christ whose members we are, we may conquer the kingdom of death and darkness, and be made worthy to share in His glorious resurrection and triumphant entrance into heaven.
St. Augustine writes of the palms:
They are the emblem of praise, and sign of victory, because the Lord by death conquered death, and with the sign of victory, the cross, overcame the devil, the prince of death.
Therefore, preceded by the cross, we go in procession around the church singing hymns of praise; when we come to the church door, we find it locked; the cross knocks at it. Heaven was closed to us by the sin of Adam, and it is opened to us by reconciliation through Jesus on the cross.
