Call for humility, repentance dominate Palm Sunday celebrations in Gulu
Oyat explained that the donkey Jesus rode symbolises service, humility, and hard work—values modern-day Christians should strive to uphold.
Curate of Christ Church Parish in Gulu City, Rev. Peter Oola Oyat, sharing a light moment with the choir after the service in English. (Photo by Jesse Johnson James)
By Jesse Johnson James and Rosemary Anena
Journalists @New Vision
________________
Rev. Peter Oola Oyat, the Curate of Christ Church in Gulu city, has urged Christians to remain humble and sociable, regardless of their positions at work or level of education.
Oyat was delivering his sermon under the theme, “Hosanna, save us Lord” (Luke 19:28), to hundreds of parishioners at Christ Church during the English service on Sunday morning.
He noted that as Christians around the world celebrate Palm Sunday, they should shun rudeness, gossip, and other wrongful behaviours, and instead strive to be peaceful and sociable, no matter their status in society.
Palm Sunday—the Sunday before Easter—marks the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed by crowds waving palm leaves and shouting “Hosanna.
Oyat explained that the donkey Jesus rode symbolises service, humility, and hard work—values modern-day Christians should strive to uphold.
He also reminded the congregation that Jesus is the only one who can lift their burdens, adding that “He came to the world as a spiritual and servant leader.”
The prayers at Christ Church drew large crowds of Anglican faithful, with all three services—6:30am to 8:30am (in Luo), 8:30am to 10:30am (in English), and 10:30am to midday (in Luo)—filled beyond capacity. Parishioners turned up in their finest attire and high spirits.
Almost everyone carried a palm leaf, waving it joyfully as they sang hymns and praise songs during the services.
The jubilant atmosphere was mirrored at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Bardege Division, Gulu City, where thousands of Catholic faithful gathered for Palm Sunday mass.
During his homily, Rev. Fr David Kolo, the Curate of the Cathedral, called on Christians to reflect on Christ’s suffering and how He overcame it.
Christians speak
Some of the Christians who attended Palm Sunday prayers at various places of worship shared what the day means to them.
Nighty Acan said the day prepares them for the tribulations Jesus endured, as commemorated on Good Friday.
Meanwhile, Paul Ocen Olise, a Catholic faithful, encouraged fellow believers to use this Holy Week to renew their faith so they can overcome the challenges they face.