Ankawa Celebrates Palm Sunday and Begins Holy Week in Prayer Amid Security Challenges

In a solemn and hope-filled atmosphere, and despite the prevailing security challenges in the region, the celebrations of Holy Week commenced on the evening of Saturday, 28 March, at St. Joseph Cathedral in Ankawa, with the observance of Palm Sunday. The celebration brought together the faithful in a spirit of prayer, reflection, and hope.

In light of the current security situation and ongoing conflict, the central celebrations—traditionally organized annually by the Catechism Committee since 2011—were canceled this year. The observances were instead limited to individual parish celebrations, reflecting a prudent concern for the safety of the faithful while ensuring the continuity of spiritual traditions.

The liturgical celebration began with the blessing of the branches, during which olive branches were raised as a symbol of peace and blessing. This was followed by a solemn procession in which children, the cathedral choir, and the deacons’ choir participated, chanting Palm Sunday hymns that imbued the church with a spirit of reverence and anticipation.

Subsequently, Father Savio Handola proclaimed the Gospel of Palm Sunday, recalling the entry of the Lord Jesus into Jerusalem and the people’s welcoming of Him with olive branches and acclamations of “Hosanna,” a sacred event that is renewed annually in the life of the Church.

In his homily, His Excellency Archbishop Mar Bashar Warda delivered a profound spiritual reflection on the significance of the celebration. He emphasized that the olive branches are not merely a traditional element, but rather a living symbol of the Tree of Life and of the grace bestowed upon humanity through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. He further called upon the faithful to intensify their prayers for peace, particularly in a time marked by the escalation of conflict, affirming that Christian hope remains steadfast and surpasses all fear.

The celebration concluded in an atmosphere of deep prayer and reverence, as the faithful entered, together with the Church, into the sacred journey of Holy Week, carrying in their hearts the enduring hope of the Resurrection despite present sufferings.