Scores of Brooklyn Catholics marked the start of Holy Week with a prayerful Palm Sunday procession on March 24.
Bishop Robert Brennan, leader of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, led the march that began at Grand Army Plaza and ended at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph for the 1:30 p.m. Spanish Mass.
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem before his crucifixion. Scripture tells that the procession was triumphant, as throngs of followers greeted Jesus by waving palms and set them on the ground along his path.
Fronds of palms — which signify victory and peace in the Catholic Church — and the cross were both present at Sunday’s march in Brooklyn. Bishop Brennan led the march with an opening prayer and blessing, then led the crowd down Vanderbilt Avenue to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Palm Sunday is the first celebration of Holy Week, the most solemn and celebratory time in the Christian faith. The week includes Holy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ; and Good Friday, which marks his crucifixion and death. Holy Week ends on Easter Sunday, which marks Christ’s resurrection from the dead.