SHILLONG/TURA: The Christians in Meghalaya celebrated Palm Sunday to commemorate the day Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem. Thousands of faithful across the State took out processions, waving palm leaves and shouting Hosanna.In Shillong, various churches were thronged by the faithful to celebrate the royal entry of Jesus to Jerusalem.The message of Palm Sunday was explained to the faithful by the priests on the occasion.
In Tura, the Cathedral Church near Bishop House and the oldest church, Tura Baptist Church at Mission Compound, witnessed large turnout of the faithful for the Palm Sunday service.Palm Sunday marks the first day of the Holy Week, the most solemn time in the Christian calendar, when faithful commemorate the last week in the life of the Saviour, his passion (suffering) and death leading to his resurrection and triumph over death on Easter Sunday.
Palm branches are widely recognised as symbols of peace and victory. When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, the Gospel says, the crowd laid palm branches and clothes at his feet to honour Him.In countries where palm trees do not grow, flowers and olive branches are used.At the Sacred Heart shrine and church in Tura, hundreds of devotees joined the Palm Sunday procession from Don Bosco School grounds to the church compound.
Fr Theodore Sangma spoke on the significance of Palm Sunday and the Holy Week.Palm leaves that had been blessed were also distributed to the devotees.A day earlier, a large number of faithful went on a pilgrimage up the Tura peak where a special church service was held.Of specific significance to Catholics is the “Easter Triduum” – the three days preceding Easter.The solemnities of these days include the reenactment of Christ’s ‘Last Supper’ on Thursday.
The presiding priest at the holy mass washes the feet of 12 laymen as Jesus did to his 12 apostles.On this night, Chrism, made of olive oil, scented with sweet perfume, is consecrated by the bishop of the diocese.In Meghalaya, however, owing to local conditions, renewal of priestly vows and consecration of the Chrism are done on Holy Tuesday. In Shillong, these solemnities will be performed at the Catholic Cathedral Church by Archbishop Dominic Jala.On Good Friday (April 14), the day of the Crucifixion, solemnities include the Veneration of the Cross. The resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ on the third day marks celebration of Easter.