Christians celebrate Palm Sunday

Christians in the country yesterday joined their colleagues across the globe in observing Palm Sunday, the day also known as Passion Day, to celebrate Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem prior to His crucifixion.

The day is commemorated with church services, processions of the faithful through some streets waving palm fronds and handkerchiefs while singing “Hosanna! Hosanna” to rekindle Jesus’ experience.

According to the Gospel, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey and was welcomed by the townspeople with songs of praise, as some paid homage by throwing clothes and palm fronds on the ground for Him to walk on.

The palm frond also represents the victory of Christian martyrs and of the spirit over the flesh.

Speaking during Palm Sunday prayer service preceded by a parade, Blantyre Synod’s St James CCAP Moderator the Reverend Henry Mtema urged Christians in the country to practise Jesus’ teachings and Word.

He said: “We as Christians must follow and practise what Jesus Christ demonstrated during His ministry on earth.

“Jesus demonstrated love, kindness and wisdom. That is why this year’s Palm Sunday had a massive parade under the theme of ‘Taking the Church to the people’.”

St James CCAP conducted a parade with three stops at Zion, Chimwankhunda and Zingwangwa bus stop.

During the parade, sermons were shared with the surrounding communities as St James CCAP’s symbol of giving back to the people.

Other churches and denominations also celebrated the day in all the country’s 28 districts.

Speaking in a separate interview, Episcopal Conference of Malawi national coordinator for communications and research Fr. Francis Damaseke said Palm Sunday is a reminder for Christians to welcome Jesus into their hearts and to be willing to follow him.

“As it were Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, was greeted by people waving palm branches,” he said.

Damaseke said the Holy Week will reach its apex this Good Friday where Jesus suffers and dies; and Holy Saturday where Easter Vigil is celebrated.

Palm Sunday also marks the starts of the Holy Week which culminates in Jesus Christ’s death, crucifixion and resurrection.