Ang Pahayagan

CASTILLEJOS, Zambales — Catholic faithful in this town marked Palm Sunday with solemn rites, processions, and community participation, signaling the start of Holy Week in the Roman Catholic Church.

A Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Joel Huerto was held at Sta. Maria Chapel, drawing parishioners who gathered early to take part in the annual observance. Following the Mass, an image of Jesus Christ riding on a donkey was paraded in a palm procession, reenacting His triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

The religious activity was followed by a motorcade organized by Teatro Castillanos AD 1990, featuring actors aboard pick-up trucks portraying scenes from the life and passion of Jesus Christ. The moving tableaux drew attention from residents who lined the streets to witness the depiction of biblical events.

At San Nicholas Parish, the number of devotees swelled as more parishioners arrived to have their palm fronds blessed. Fr. Huerto led the blessing of palm bouquets, with churchgoers waving intricately woven palm leaves as part of the traditional ritual.

Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week in the Catholic liturgical calendar. It commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem and ushers in a period of prayer, reflection, and fasting leading to His crucifixion and resurrection.

(Text and photos by Jun Dumaguing for Ang Pahayagan)