By Catherine Meso
“Hosanna the Son of David!” This was part of the singing done by many congregants at St. Augustine’s (Mangochi) cathedral, on 24th March, 2024, when they were observing the Palm Sunday. In large numbers and while holding the fronds and branches of trees, the devotees joyfully marched from Mangochi stadium to where the cathedral is located. It was to recall the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem when He was preparing for His Passion.
The ceremony was led by Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima, who, in his homily during Mass, encouraged all Catholic Christians to intensify their prayer life as they have entered the Holy week. He described Palm Sunday as an opening of the Holy Week and added that Christians are supposed to observe it by renewing their hearts spiritually. He also encouraged them to attend all the Holy Week prayer sessions until Easter.
The chairperson of St Augustine Cathedral, Mr. Daniel Bwanali expressed his gratitude as people observed it peacefully from the stadium up to the church. He encouraged all Christians not to cease praying and should be charitable to the needy as well as to follow the footsteps of Christ during the Holy Week.
Palm Sunday is a Catholic observance when the members of the Catholic Church remember the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It opens the Holy week which is the climax of the salvific acts of Jesus Christ. At St. Augustine’s Cathedral, the ceremony was attended by many Christians, including members of the Anglican church as well as other Presbyterians.
