On Sunday, 29 March 2026, more than 200 members of the Diocese of Parramatta Chinese Chaplaincy gathered in prayerful unity to celebrate Palm Sunday, a commemoration of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when crowds welcomed Him with palm branches as a sign of honour.
Coming together at St Monica’s North Parramatta Parish, the community marked the beginning of Holy Week, entering more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s suffering, death, and His ultimate act of sacrificial love.
For Fr Ephraim Lam, Parish Priest and Chinese Chaplain, Palm Sunday can be more fully understood and appreciated if the faithful refer to this special feast day as ‘Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord.’
“The focus of the day goes far beyond the symbolic palms. The main point is actually the Passion of the Lord. God suffered for you, God died for you,” said Fr Ephraim.
He further explained that this deeply personal dimension calls the faithful to move beyond simply recalling a historical event, but instead to encounter Christ’s sacrifice in an intimate and transformative way.
Parishioners selecting palms before Mass begins. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
“The Lord suffered for us — for me — and that makes His sacrifice profoundly personal.”
A Message of Mercy and Hope
During his homily, Fr Ephraim drew attention to subtle, yet powerful details found in the Gospel of Matthew. One striking moment is Jesus’ response to Judas at the point of betrayal.
Despite the gravity of the act, Jesus addresses him not with condemnation, but with compassion: “Jesus still called him ‘friend’.”
This single word reveals the depths of Jesus’ divine mercy – a love that does not withdraw in the face of human failure, even if it were the most infamous betrayal in salvation history.
Fr Ephraim went on to talk about unique insights that came through the figures of Pontius Pilate and his wife.
Chinese chaplain and Parish Priest Fr Ephraim Lam blessing the palms. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
He explained that Pontius Pilate was a Roman official, and it was common for governors posted to distant provinces to leave their wives in Rome. Once separated from their families, many of these men engaged in extramarital relationships, a practice not unusual in that era.
But “Pontius Pilate made a choice. He brought along his wife, and so he loved his wife, and he lived a moral life.”
Fr Ephraim went on to say that “God then revealed himself to a Gentile woman, the wife of Pontius Pilate” through a dream, revealing that Jesus is an innocent man.
Therefore, their story highlights how God’s grace can reach beyond boundaries, revealing truth even in unexpected places. Fr Ephraim said this moment affirms that “God truly is a merciful God, calling everyone to come to Him”.
Fr Ephraim Lam. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Faith Expressed Through Culture
Within the Chinese Chaplaincy, the Palm Sunday celebration reflects a beautiful harmony between faith and cultural identity. The use of Cantonese in the liturgy allows the community to pray, sing, and listen to Scripture in a way that resonates deeply with their lived experience.
Fanny Lau, a member of the Chinese Chaplaincy for the past 20 years, described the profound impact the Chinese Chaplaincy has had on her spiritual journey.
“Being part of a Chinese Catholic Chaplaincy is deeply meaningful to me. It allows me to practise my faith within a culturally familiar environment, where I can easily understand others and feel understood in return,” she said.
“The use of Cantonese hymns and prayers makes the experience feel natural. I don’t have to separate my culture from my religion.
“Using my native language enables me to understand God’s Word more deeply, which in turn strengthens and enriches my spiritual life.”
For Fanny, this connection between language and faith helps foster a deeper and more meaningful sense of belonging and spiritual intimacy.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Chinese Cultural Traditions Preserved
According to Fr Ephraim, the blessed palms received on Palm Sunday hold a special significance for the members of the Chinese Catholic community. He explains that it is a cherished practice to take these palms home and place them at the entrance of the house.
“It’s to show to others that in this house, we believe in Jesus Christ,” he said.
In this way, the palms become more than sacramental – they are a reminder that Christ is present in daily life, and a sign to others that the household is rooted in a deep and living belief in Jesus Christ.
Fanny Lau said it was important to preserve Chinese cultural traditions within the Catholic faith.
“The Chaplaincy plays a vital role in preserving Chinese cultural traditions while living out the Catholic faith. Beyond the liturgy, the Chaplaincy strengthens community bonds through gatherings that incorporate meaningful cultural elements.”
Through these experiences, the Catholic Chinese community remains deeply rooted in its cultural heritage while continuing to grow together in faith.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
One Church, One Journey
Palm Sunday at the Chinese Chaplaincy stands as a powerful reminder of the universal nature of the Catholic Church – where, despite differences in language and culture, the same message of God’s love, mercy and sacrifice is proclaimed.
As Holy Week begins, the faithful are invited to journey with Christ through His Passion, carrying with them the quiet hope and promise of the Resurrection.
This celebration aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer, Mission, and Community. Visit Synodality to learn more.
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