Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru / Udupi
Pics: Melwin Mascarenhas, Sany Studio, Udupi
Mangaluru/Udupi, Mar 28: Palm Sunday which marks the beginning of the Holy Week for the Christian community was observed with devotion in churches across the twin districts on Sunday March 28.
Due to restrictions in the wake of the second wave of coronavirus pandemic, the attendance in churches was limited and guidelines were followed strictly. Everyone wore masks and followed social distancing.
Milagres Church, Mangaluru
Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Kalathur
Bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo led the Eucharistic celebrations at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Kalathur. Fr Chethan Lobo, PRO, diocese of Udupi and Fr Lawrence B D'Souza were the co-celebrants.
In his message, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said that the Cross on which Jesus died is the sign of salvation for the faithful. "We must always embrace it. Likewise, we must embrace all the hardships that come on our way," he said.
The Holy Week culminates with Easter Sunday, which will fall on April 4 this time.
The occasion denotes the arrival of Jesus at Jerusalem. On his arrival, disciples of Jesus had extended him a grand welcome by waving palm leaves which denotes victory of the good over the evil. This event is usually enacted in several places, when devotees with freshly cut coconut leaves in hands walk saying prayers and singing hymns. However, this year, the ritual was observed in a restricted manner.
It may be recalled that last year, churches and all other religious places were closed due to lockdown over the spread of coronavirus. The Holy Week was observed with online church services then.