Basrur, April 13, 2025: A wave of sacred reverence swept through St Philip Neri Church, Basrur, as the faithful gathered in large numbers to commemorate Palm Sunday, marking the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem — a prelude to His passion, crucifixion, and glorious resurrection. This ancient and meaningful tradition heralds the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Christian liturgical calendar.
The solemn celebration was led by Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, who presided over the Palm Sunday Service with deep spiritual fervor. He was joined at the altar by the parish priest Rev. Fr Melwyl Roy Lobo and assistant priest Rev. Fr Wilson Saldanha SJ, as the church community came together in faith and devotion.
The service began in front of St Philip CBSE School, where the Bishop led a prayer service and blessed the palm branches, symbolizing the palm leaves that greeted Jesus during His entry into Jerusalem. What followed was a moving "Solemn Procession" of the faithful towards the church — a powerful public expression of unity and belief.
Inside the church, Most Rev Dr Gerald Lobo celebrated the Holy Eucharist, concelebrated by Fr Melwyl Roy and Fr Wilson Saldanha SJ. In his homily, Bishop Lobo eloquently reflected on the significance of Palm Sunday, calling on the faithful to walk the path of humility and self-sacrifice, just as Christ did.
With hymns, prayers, and a profound sense of community, the faithful of Basrur immersed themselves in the grace of this sacred celebration, setting the tone for a spiritually enriching Holy Week.
