Faithful gather across Kuching to celebrate Palm Sunday

KUCHING (March 29): Christians here gathered at their respective cathedrals, churches and chapels to celebrate Palm Sunday.

At St Joseph’s Cathedral, more than 1,000 Catholics attended mass, with many arriving as early as 6am.

The service, presided over by Rev Fr Patrick Heng and livestreamed on the cathedral’s Facebook page, began with the blessing of the palms.

Congregants raised their palm leaves in a symbolic gesture recalling Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

“Today, we gather together to herald with the whole church the beginning of the celebration of the Lord’s Paschal Mystery, that is to say, of his passion and resurrection.

“Let us commemorate the Lord’s entry into the city of Jerusalem,” Heng said as he began the blessing of the palms.

At St Thomas’ Cathedral, Anglicans gathered for mass led by the Rev Canon Roannie W Cannidy, who officiated the blessing of the palms. The sermon was delivered by the Rev Canon Alfred Damu. The mass at was also livestreamed via the cathedral’s Youtube page.

Meanwhile, At St Ann’s Church in Kota Padawan, the celebration took place on Saturday evening.

Catholic congregants gathered outside the church, where Friar Nelson Evarinus Sipalan led the mass, beginning with the blessing of the palms before ushering the faithful inside to continue the service.

Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week—the most solemn period in the Church’s liturgical calendar.

It commemorates the start of Jesus’ final journey, which culminates in His crucifixion on Calvary, an act understood by the faithful as a profound expression of love and sacrifice.