Christians celebrate Palm Sunday with prayer, processions

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Thousands of Christians thronged churches across the country to mark Palm Sunday, commemorating the start of Holy Week.

At Uganda Martyrs Shrine Munyonyo, parish priest Fr Ulman Male said the day is a significant, festive, and holy event marking the beginning of Holy Week. It typically features large processions with palm branches, the blessing of palms, and multiple Masses, often starting with a symbolic reenactment of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

The celebrations typically include a procession from the Grotto to the Basilica, with a priest on a donkey emulating Jesus Christ as he entered Jerusalem.

He said that, whereas palm leaves have great significance in Christianity, they are also important in strengthening belief in Jesus Christ.

Fr Male urged Christians to glorify God above earthly issues. Many dignitaries attended the Mass.

Christians waving palm fronds recalled welcoming Jesus into their lives. It was an emotional and exciting moment to see a priest seated on a donkey, emulating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. People threw palm branches to welcome Him as he rode on a donkey.

St Padre-Pio Kabulamuliro

At St Padre-Pio Catholic Parish Kabulamuliro, off Entebbe Road, celebrations to mark the beginning of Holy Week started with a procession from the parish compound to the church, led by Fr Andrew Kaahwa from Hoima Diocese.

Devotees carrying palm leaves participated in the procession, singing hymns to commemorate Christ’s passion and death. After the procession, a solemn Mass was celebrated in remembrance of the passion of Christ.

Christians gathered in large congregations to mark Palm Sunday, retracing Jesus’ traditional route from 2,000 years ago as he entered Jerusalem and was greeted by people waving palm branches. Fr Kaahwa reminded them of the need to welcome Jesus into their hearts and their willingness to follow him.

While preaching, Fr Kaahwa centred on peace, tolerance, humility, and love.

"Christians should understand the intricacy of the cross that Jesus carried on his way to crucifixion and understand that love for one another is stronger than violence and peace is stronger than war," he told the congregation that included Justice Joseph Murangira, head of Laity, Eng. Andrew Sserunjogi, among others.

Palm Sunday is the sixth and final Sunday of Lent. It occurs on the Sunday before Easter and marks the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

Holy Week in the Catholic Church

Holy Week will commence for the Christian community from Monday, with the run-up to Easter including the Chrism Mass, during which the blessing of oil is conducted by bishops.

On Holy Thursday, the feet of 12 people will be washed by priests, commemorating the washing of the feet of the 12 disciples by Jesus ahead of his crucifixion, followed by Good Friday.