Rons Bantwal

Mumbai (RBI), Apr 13: Celebrations and festivities marked the holy occasion of 'Palm Sunday' which was quite evident in churches all across the city on this auspicious Sunday. Palm Sunday is the sixth and last Sunday of Lent and the beginning of the holy week. In this context, celebrations galore marked the atmosphere here and several other places.

On that occasion, in the Palm Sunday religious programme held at Holy Family Church in Chakala, Andheri East, the Asst priest of the church Fr Andrew Rodrigues blessed the palms along with the prayer and distributed them to the gathered devotees and celebrated holy mass.

Fr Arun Lobo (Balehonnuru) celebrated Konkani Mass. The parish priest Fr Gerard Rodricks SJ, Fr Caesar Feroz, Fr Joaquim Tellis, Fr Sumit D'Souza participated in the blessing of palms.

As we enter the holy week the passion for Jesus Christ. Holy prayers to emphasise the celebratory atmosphere regarding Jesus Christ riding into Jerusalem as per ancient scriptures, began in the said city churches quite early in the morning, whereby the palm was blessed by the priests of various congregations. After which the holy palm was brought to the said churches in huge colourful processions, after completing its journey through different parts of the city.

The parishioners followed the musical bands carrying the palms with deep devotion and prayers on their lips. Holy mass was offered by the respective parish priests of the said churches.