Hosanna in the highest!
Parishes across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains have begun the holiest week in the Catholic Church’s calendar with the commemoration of Palm Sunday.
Palm and olive fronds generously donated by local parishioners were waved and blessed as Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wentworthville, re-enacted Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem at their 10am Mass.
Parishioners are seen during the 2024 Palm Sunday celebrations at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wentworthville. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Parish Priest Fr Januario (Janu) Pinto OCarm and Priest-In-Residence Fr Anthony Scerri OCarm celebrated Mass for their multicultural parish, with the church building overflowing with members of the faithful young and old.
“Since the beginning of Lent, we have prepared our hearts by penance and charitable works,” Fr Janu explained ahead of the procession.
“Today, we gather to herald, with the whole Church, the beginning of the celebration of our Lord’s Paschal mystery.
“With all faith and devotion, let us commemorate the Lord’s entry into the city of our salvation, following His footsteps so we, by His grace, be partakers of the cross and have a share in His resurrection and life.”
The Passion is read during the 2024 Palm Sunday celebrations at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wentworthville. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
During his homily, Fr Janu emphasises that although reading through Jesus’ passion can be challenging and confronting, we are reminded to focus on what Christ died for – which is the salvation and love for all humanity.
Parishioner of over 30 years, Rosemary appreciated how the parish came together in celebration of the beginning of Holy Week.
“It’s a chance for all of us to reflect and prepare ourselves and to wait for Our Lord’s coming in the Resurrection,” she said.
Parishioners are seen during the 2024 Palm Sunday celebrations at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wentworthville. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“Every Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the Eucharist, but Easter is where it all started and is a reminder of the sacrifices that Jesus made for us.”
New Assistant Priest Fr Albino (Alby) Dos Santos OCarm said Palm Sunday was particularly important to celebrate not just the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem but the spiritual recognition of God’s love for us.
New Assistant Priest Fr Albino (Alby) Dos Santos OCarm (left) and a parishioner hold up palm fronds ahead of the 2024 Palm Sunday celebrations at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wentworthville. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“Today, during Palm Sunday, we welcome Jesus as King and Priest. In Jesus’ time, only priests were able to offer a sacrifice to God, but during this time, Jesus sacrifices Himself, His body, His flesh, His blood and His soul for us, which makes this time very special and unique.”
You are invited to join your local faith community this Holy Week in celebrating Christ’s journey from death to new life.
Find your closest Mass and Liturgy time by visiting parracatholic.org/find-a-mass
View images from the Palm Sunday celebrations at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wentworthville here or below:
