Patna: Anticipating a huge gathering, churches across the city gear up for the grand celebration of Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week in the Lenten season and the countdown to Good Friday and Easter Sunday.The churches have made elaborate arrangements to distribute palm fronds to the faithful before the procession begins on Sunday morning. The palm leaves will be blessed by the priests prior to the start of the procession. A large gathering is expected at Queen of the Apostles Church in Kurji, where over 5,000 to 7,000 devotees are likely to attend the Masses, which will be held in three sessions.Fr. Selvin Xavier SJ, Parish Priest of Kurji Church, explained that the core of the Christian faith lies in the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. “The first Mass with the blessing of palms and procession will begin at 5.30am. The procession will start from St Michael’s Primary School, where palm fronds will be distributed and blessed by the priests. Devotees will then proceed singing ‘Hosanna’ into the church premises. During the liturgy, there will be a solemn and lengthy narration of the Passion — a detailed reading of four chapters from the Gospel of Matthew covering Jesus’ final journey, suffering and death,” he said.“The first Mass, which is expected to have a big gathering, will be led by Fr Josie. The second Mass at 8am will be led by Fr Arog, while the third Mass at 5pm will be conducted by Fr Robert,” Fr Selvin told this newspaper.He also outlined the key observances for the rest of Holy Week. “Confessions will be available for the faithful seeking forgiveness. Priests will also visit elderly and sick parishioners who are unable to come to church. Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper. The Mass will include the washing of the feet, symbolizing Jesus’ teaching on servant leadership. It also recalls the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood. On Good Friday, the Way of the Cross procession will begin at 6.30am from Fairfield, where a group of people will enact the Stations of the Cross through the streets leading to the church,” Fr Selvin said.At Padri Ki Haveli in Patna City, the procession will commence from Mother Teresa House to the church premises at 7am. The prayer will continue till 9.30pm, which will be led by Parish Priest Fr Joachim Ekka, OFM Cap, in the presence of additional priests Fr Pradeep and Fr Suresh Xaxa.Fr Joachim said the church premises were adorned with palm leaves, which they brought from Gurhatta. “Palm Sunday is a reminder that even in the face of injustice and suffering, there is always the possibility of transformation and renewal. Jesus was the son of God, but then he himself became as humble as an ordinary person,” he said.In a spirit of service and compassion that reflects the teachings of Holy Week, a special initiative was undertaken at the Missionaries of Charity orphanage and old age home located at Padri Ki Haveli Church. Aadhaar cards were successfully made for the elderly residents and orphaned children who had been struggling for several days to get them issued. Ration cards were also distributed to the children of the orphanage and the senior citizens of the old-age home. Patna Sahib MLA Ratnesh Kushwaha assured everyone that once the Aadhaar cards are ready, Ayushman cards will also be arranged for all of them.At Sacred Heart in Patliputra Colony, the prayer service will be held at 6.45am, while the Mass prayer will be conducted at 6am at Maria Nilaya (Society of Mary) at Mariam Tola, Digha on Sunday.
