Palm Sunday observed in Goa

The Catholic community across the state on Sunday offered special prayers on Palm Sunday, which marks the entry into the Holy Week commemorating the last events of the life of Jesus. Palm Sunday is observed in commemoration of the solemn entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, with his eyes set on what was to come – the Passion, death and resurrection. Palm Sunday also has a deeper meaning as Jesus accepted the public proclamation of kingship which he always refused in his lifetime.

Palm Sunday observed in Goa

Special services were held across the state to mark the occasion with palms being blessed and distributed to the faithful, who spent the day in prayer preparing for the holy week. The director of Diocesan Centre for Social Communication Media, Fr Francisco Caldeira informed that the holy week services are held to commemorate the last events of Jesus' life — Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. He said that Maundy Thursday is the corruption of the word 'mandate', which is the day when Jesus gave solemnly the mandate of love, surrounded by deep act of love.

Fr Caldeira said that during the Last Supper where Jesus changed the bread and wine into his own body and blood and washing of the feet of the apostles were practical signs of love. He said the significance of Maundy Thursday also marks the institution of the Eucharist and also the institution of priesthood.

He said that Good Friday is the commemoration of the crucifixion and death of Jesus after a lengthy trial on Mount Calvary, while Holy Saturday-Easter Sunday signifies the resurrection of Christ. Fr Caldeira further informed that the Lent marks the 40-day fast by Jesus, which is adopted by the Church in preparation for catechumens for the baptism on Easter which takes place during the Easter vigil.