Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral celebrates Palm Sunday

Kimbe: The catholic community gathered in solemn celebration of Palm Sunday, and the Passion of the Lord on April 13, 2025, starting with the blessing of Palms outside the cathedral in front of the centenary cross.

(His Lordship Bishop John Bosco Auram)

Palm Sunday reminds us of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and how the people welcomed Him with palm branches shouting, “Hosanna Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”.

The rite was led by His Lordship Bishop John Bosco Auram as he blessed the palms held by the faithful, symbolizing the people welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem.

Bishop Auram reflected on Jesus' choice to ride on a young donkey instead of an old one.

"This act fulfilled the prophecy and carried a massage. Jesus was intentional, he didn’t just pick any donkey. He was looking for something fresh, vibrant and strong. Something that had not been worn down by the journey of life. Jesus sending the two disciples to untie the donkey symbolizes that the donkey is free to move about. This representation of the donkey means that, we too can be untied and free. And to be free in Jesus"

After the blessing of palms, the procession into the Cathedral had the faithful joyfully waving their palms as they sang accompanying the Bishop, Deacon, and servers to the altar.

The celebration continued with the Holy Mass in the Cathedral.

In his homily the bishop expressed: “today we celebrate the two distinct yet connected events namely, the triumphant entry into Jerusalem with shout “Hosanna to the Son of David” and in the church, we heard about the passion narrative of the Lord”.

He said that Jesus suffered for us and made the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sake. He also encouraged the faithful to grow in love and deepen their personal relationship with God, especially during the season of Easter.