Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

BY DS

Sandakan : On Palm Sunday, Saturday evening 23rd March 2013 the Church recalls the entrance of Christ the Lord into Jerusalem to accomplish the Paschal Mystery. Some 800 faithful with palm branches in hands, gathered at the entrance of St Mary's Cathedral Parish Hall at 6.00 pm, the starting point of the procession in commemoration of the Lord's triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

Bishop Julius at St. Mark's Church Sandakan

Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, in red sacred vestment, accompanied by the altar servers, the readers, EMCs and members of the choir approached the table where the palm branches were laid. He then blessed the palm branches by sprinkling holy water unto it. Today, the faithful present, symbolically accompany our Lord in proceeding to the Church and at the same time remind ourselves that in fact the Lord is with us until the end of time.

St. Mary's Cathedral Sandakan

St Mary's Cathedral, Sandakan

In his homily, the prelate said that the passion heritage is the most significant portion of the four gospels covering the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. His last few days on earth covers the five basic events; Jesus shares his final meal with his disciples, the betrayal and arrest of Jesus, the trial of Jesus, Jesus condemned to death and His crucifixion on a Cross. The passion narrative shows the immeasurable love of God for us. 

St Dominic's Church, Lahad Datu

As you see the Crucifix you will see Christ nailed on a Cross and shedding his blood for us. In his moment of torment, dying a humiliating death, he was compassionate and said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.' This too is directed to us, as we are his chosen ones. 

St Martin's Church, Telupid

As his death approaches in the midst of darkness that looms over the land, he commends his soul to the Father. Among the crowd is this Joseph of Arimathea, pleading Pilate for his body. He is the one voice among the huge crowd with the courage to speak for him. May we too have the courage to speak and stand up for Christ in the most difficult situation.

Holy Trinity Church, Tawau

The prelate called on everyone that through the reflection on the suffering and death of Jesus, make us true participants and not mere spectators in the life of Christ. The Cross is indeed the authentic tree of life from which we acquire salvation. As we journey to the Promised Land carrying our daily crosses, we need the help of one another to lighten our crosses. In that way, the Lord will see us living as one big family, journeying together in faith to the Promised Land.

Photos by courtesy of all Parish SOCCOM