Ghanaian Christians mark Palm Sunday as Holy Week begins

Christians across Ghana on Sunday marked Palm Sunday, ushering in Holy Week with worship services, processions and prayers as the country continued to enjoy the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Palm Sunday, observed on the Sunday before Easter, commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem ahead of the Jewish Passover. The day marks the beginning of Holy Week, during which Christians reflect on the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In many churches, worshippers carried palm branches in remembrance of the biblical account of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, where crowds welcomed him with shouts of praise and waved palm fronds, proclaiming him as the Messiah.

The celebration was particularly vibrant in Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, where the blessing and procession of palm branches form an important part of the liturgy.

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At the Vatican, Pope Francis presided over the Palm Sunday Mass in St Peter’s Square, where he urged Christians to journey towards Easter with hearts open to forgiveness, reflecting on Christ’s prayer from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

The celebration marked the first Palm Sunday since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic to be held before large outdoor congregations at the Vatican.

In Ghana, congregants at St Charles Lwanga Catholic Church joined in Palm Sunday celebrations carrying palm fronds, with many choosing to wear face masks despite the government’s relaxation of mandatory COVID-19 protocols.

Delivering a homily, Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Norbert Adjei encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, drawing lessons from the suffering of Jesus Christ.

He reminded worshippers that the same crowd that welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem later called for his crucifixion, noting that Christians should not lose hope when they experience rejection or hardship.

“Sometimes when we go through trouble as Christians, we tend to believe even our Saviour has ignored and neglected us,” he said.

Rev. Fr. Adjei also urged families to continue showing love and care for one another, particularly towards elderly parents and vulnerable relatives, despite life’s challenges.

He encouraged Christians to draw strength from Christ’s sacrifice as they prepared spiritually for Easter through prayer, reflection and renewed commitment to their faith.