MANILA — Hundreds flocked to the Manila Cathedral on Sunday morning as Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula led the Palm Sunday Mass to start the observance of Holy Week.

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, when crowds welcomed him by waving palm branches.

In his homily, Advincula urged Catholics to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and embody His compassion.  

“Sa ating kahinaan bilang tao, likas na gusto natin itanggi ang ating sakit. Kapag nasasaktan tayo nais ng ating isip takasan ang hirap lalo na pag di natin kaya unawain ang bigat nito,” he said. 

(In our weakness as humans, it is natural for us to avoid pain. When we are hurt, we want to escape it, especially when we do not understand the weight of it)

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Advincula added, “Ngunit sa huli, kailangan natin magkaron ng tapang upang harapin ang ating mga suliranin, danasin ang ating hirap, at yakapin ang ating krus. Kailangang magpasya tayong dalhin ang sakit at makiramay sa sakit ng iba.”

(But in the end, we need to have the courage to face our problems, experience the hardship and embrace our cross. We need to decide to take up the pain and to have compassion for the pain of others)

Attendees also had their palm fronds blessed during the Mass.

Reverend Monsignor Rolando Dela Cruz, rector of Manila Cathedral, was also present at the gathering.

Holy Week is a period when Christians reflect on the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Mass was broadcast live through TV Maria and the Manila Cathedral's official platforms.

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