At the Holy Family Cathedral, the ritual of the blessing of palms/olive branches and the procession of the faithful was carried out thrice during the day - before the 6:30 a.m. (English), the 3:15 p.m. (Konkani) and the 8:30 p.m. (Arabic) Mass .

BLESSING OF PALMS: In the prayers which were said during the benediction, the Bishop solemnly blessed the branches of palm or olive, that they may be a protection to all places into which they are taken. After sprinkling the palms with holy water, and incensing them, they were distributed. Above Picture: Bishop Francis Micallef blesses the palms before the 6:30 a.m. Mass.

THE FAITHFUL WITH THE BLESSED PALMS: The palms blessed on Palm Sunday were used in the procession of the day, and then taken home by the faithful to be used as a sacramental. Above Picture: The faithful during the procession before the 6:30 a.m. Mass.

THE PROCESSION WITH PALMS: The procession which followed the Cross commemorates Our Lord's triumphant entrance into Jerusalem before his arrest and crucifixion, when followers strewed palm branches in His path. Above Picture: The clergy leading the procession to the Altar - 6:30 a.m. Mass.


© Photographs by Rewon Gomes