Palm Sunday Heralds the Holy Week at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte–Kallianpur

By Prof. Archibald Furtado
Pics by Praveen Cutinho
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/Santhekatte, April 13, 2025: The sacred season of Holy Week began on a solemn yet joyous note at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte–Kallianpur, as the parish community came together in large numbers to commemorate Palm Sunday, marking the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

 

The faithful assembled in front of Mount Rosary English Medium School at 7:30 a.m., holding palm fronds aloft—symbols of peace, victory, and eternal life. The ceremony began with a meaningful reflection on the significance of Palm Sunday by the Parish Priest, Rev. Dr. Roque D’Souza, followed by the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Oliver Nazareth, who led the blessing of the palms with scriptural readings and solemn prayers.

 

Palm Sunday, a movable feast celebrated on the Sunday before Easter, reminds the faithful of Christ’s victory over sin and death. It also ushers in the most sacred time in the Christian calendar—Holy Week, which includes the Paschal Tridum of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and culminates in the celebration of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

 

The palm branches, distributed earlier by the Gurkars, were held reverently by the congregation, signifying their devotion and readiness to walk the path of Christ. A disciplined and prayerful procession followed, led by the main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Manoj Fernandes, Rector of Pilar Minor Seminary, Kallianpur. The faithful, singing devotional hymns led by the vibrant Church Choir, moved in unison toward the church.

Once inside the beautifully adorned and packed church, the Holy Eucharist was concelebrated. The congregation listened attentively to the Passion of Christ, followed by a deeply moving homily by Fr. Manoj Fernandes. In his reflections, he poignantly reminded the faithful that while many joyfully accompanied Jesus during His triumphant entry, He was left alone during His Passion—even by His Apostles. He urged everyone to emulate Mother Mary, who remained steadfast by Jesus from the cradle to the Cross.

 

This vibrant and spiritually enriching celebration marked a perfect beginning to Holy Week at Mount Rosary Church. Rev. Dr. Roque D’Souza also announced the schedule of the upcoming Holy Week services, encouraging parishioners to participate actively and devoutly in the various liturgical celebrations from 13th to 20th April, culminating in the glorious Easter Sunday.

 

The Palm Sunday celebration at Mount Rosary Church stood out as a beautiful blend of tradition, faith, and devotion—truly a meaningful start to the holiest week of the Christian faith.