Patna Churches Ready for Palm Sunday and Holy Week Celebrations
Churches across Patna are preparing for a grand celebration of Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week in the Lenten season, leading up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Anticipating a huge gathering, elaborate arrangements have been made to distribute palm fronds to the faithful before the processions commence on Sunday morning. The palm leaves will be blessed by priests prior to the start of the events.
Major Gatherings and Mass Schedules
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. He detailed the schedule: "The first Mass with the blessing of palms and procession will begin at 5:30 am. 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, covering four chapters from the Gospel of Matthew that detail Jesus’ final journey, suffering, and death. Fr. Selvin added, "The first Mass, which is expected to have a big gathering, will be led by Fr Josie. The second Mass at 8 am will be led by Fr Arog, while the third Mass at 5 pm will be conducted by Fr Robert."
Holy Week Observances and Community Initiatives
Fr. Selvin also outlined key observances for the rest of Holy Week. Confessions will be available for the faithful seeking forgiveness, and priests will visit elderly and sick parishioners who cannot attend church. Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper with a Mass that includes the washing of the feet, symbolizing Jesus’ teaching on servant leadership, and recalls the Holy Eucharist and priesthood. On Good Friday, the Way of the Cross procession will begin at 6:30 am from Fairfield, with a group enacting the Stations of the Cross through the streets to the church.
At Padri Ki Haveli in Patna City, the procession will commence from Mother Teresa House to the church premises at 7 am. The prayer will continue until 9:30 pm, led by Parish Priest Fr Joachim Ekka, OFM Cap, with additional priests Fr Pradeep and Fr Suresh Xaxa present. Fr Joachim noted that the church premises were adorned with palm leaves brought from Gurhatta, stating, "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."
Special Service and Support for Vulnerable Groups
In a spirit of service and compassion reflecting Holy Week teachings, a special initiative was undertaken at the Missionaries of Charity orphanage and old age home at Padri Ki Haveli Church. Aadhaar cards were successfully made for elderly residents and orphaned children who had struggled to get them issued. Ration cards were also distributed to the children and senior citizens. Patna Sahib MLA Ratnesh Kushwaha assured that once the Aadhaar cards are ready, Ayushman cards will be arranged for all beneficiaries.
Other locations in Patna will also host services: at Sacred Heart in Patliputra Colony, the prayer service will be held at 6:45 am, while the Mass prayer will be conducted at 6 am at Maria Nilaya (Society of Mary) at Mariam Tola, Digha on Sunday.
