With the flowering plum trees in full bloom at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, Karen Salgudiro arrived early with her family for the Palm Sunday procession March 29.
“I grew up in El Salvador and processions were part of our tradition in Holy Week,” she said. “To me this is a remembrance of the sacrifice that Jesus made as we celebrate everything that he has done, and continues to do for us.”
After Bishop Michael F. Burbidge sprinkled the palm fronds with holy water, a large crowd of worshippers processed through the white plum blossoms to the main entrance of the cathedral as the choir sang “All Glory, Laud and Honor.”
“This is the day that Jesus came into Jerusalem to begin the completion of his cross, his sacrifice,” said 10-year-old Hunter Hornamen. “It’s very special because Jesus is Our Lord and Savior.”
Bishop Burbidge offered words of comfort in his homily to those attending Mass who are carrying their own cross. “In today’s proclamation of the Passion of Christ, we see the depth of his love, a love that did not count the cost,” he said. “He took up his cross, suffered and died for us. There is nothing we experience in this world — false judgment, harsh treatment, betrayal, rejection, humiliation and emotional and physical suffering — that the Lord has not already endured for our sake. Thus, he identifies closely with our burdens and invites us to unite our sufferings to his.”
“What I want to share with my family is that this week means hope,” said Lisbeth Urich, who attended with her son, mother and sister. “Holy Week causes me to reflect and to observe what Jesus taught us 2,000 years ago so we can pass it on to the next generation.”
“Palm Sunday is something that we hold near and dear to our family,” said Renee Voce who drove from Purcellville with her husband. “We attend all the Masses of Holy Week that bring us to Easter, which is the most important day in the Catholic Church.”
But Bishop Burbidge reminded all who filled the pews that “this week is not automatically holy,” he said. “It requires us, with God’s grace, to enter it with renewed faith and devotion; to slow down and be still and silent; to meditate upon the Passion we just heard; and to spend time these days in prayer before a crucifix.
“If possible, try also to attend Mass on Holy Thursday, as we celebrate the Lord’s great love in giving us the precious gifts of the Holy Eucharist, the priesthood and his example of humble service,” Bishop Burbidge said. “Also, consider participating in the Liturgy of Good Friday as we again will hear the Lord’s Passion and be invited to venerate the cross upon which hung the Savior of the World. Yes, walk with Jesus to Jerusalem in joyful anticipation of his victory at Easter.”
Hale can be reached at [email protected].
