Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporters
PALM Sunday celebrations drew hundreds of Christian congregants into the streets of Bulawayo yesterday and across the country, signalling the onset of the Holy Week leading into Easter Holidays.
In Bulawayo, various religious denominations celebrated Palm Sunday with vibrant, united street processions as early as 7 AM.
Jubilant congregants waved palm branches and sang hymns as they marched along, drawing widespread attention to commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
The churches, including the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Salvation Army, and Pentecostal movements, among others, gathered for processions, blessing of palms and worship to mark the start of Holy Week.
The event holds great importance on the global Christian calendar and signifies Jesus’ historic triumphal entry into Jerusalem ahead of his crucifixion on Friday.
Palm Sunday, which falls on the last Sunday before Easter, is recognised by Christians as the mark of the beginning of the painful journey to the cross where Jesus Christ was crucified.
It is characterised by long processions in which believers wave palm branches, singing victory songs as they mark the beginning of the “sacred week”, which culminates in the Easter holiday.
Catholic parish, St Patrick’s Church in Bulawayo’s Makokoba suburb, priest, Father Dumani Sibanda, said they were celebrating Palm Sunday in remembrance of how Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey.
“On Palm Sunday, we celebrate Jesus entering Jerusalem, people welcoming him, carrying palms and singing Hosanna,” he said.
“Jesus was riding a donkey. He came in as a simple, ordinary person, showing that he came on earth to bring peace. His teaching was on peace, humility and love.”
In Mabuthweni suburb, Salvation Army Captain Fanuel Dube said they came together with the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe to commemorate Sunday Palm.
By around 7 AM, the large procession marched from White City turn-off along Old Khami Road towards Mabuthweni and through the shopping centre where they sang, prayed and danced while inviting the public to join.
In Nkulumane suburb, the Roman Catholic Church joined hands with the Methodist and Anglican counterparts to march from Manemo Business Centre and finished at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, where they held celebrations before separating.
Similar processions were observed in Tshabalala, along Siyepambili Drive, as well as Emganwini suburb, where congregants had virtually blocked one of the access roads.
In the City Centre, the Royal Priesthood Ministries marched from 8.30 AM from 3rd Avenue to Joshua Mqabuko Street and back to their church.
“We came together in remembrance of Jesus entering Jerusalem and this is a commemoration done every year,” he said.
“It begins Holy Week, commemorating the week, leading to his crucifixion on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.”
The religious leader said it was important to celebrate Palm Sunday because it reminds believers of the selfless love Jesus showed and his sacrifice on the cross to guarantee human salvation.
Captain Dube said as they draw close to celebrating Easter, the Holy Week prepares Christians to have hearts sanctified by the blood of Jesus, and they welcome him in them.
Methodist Church in Bulawayo superintendent Reverend Edmore Vazhore said historically, Palm Sunday was the beginning of Christian salvation.
“This is whereby we are journeying together with Christ. He was hanged on the cross for our salvation, our redemption and forgiveness of our sins.”
Several churches are also finalising preparations for Easter Holidays, where large gatherings, spiritual reflections and commemorative services are expected to draw thousands of worshippers across the country, while most have lined up a series of spiritual and cultural observances.
