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Catholic Living
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus Christ entering Jerusalem before His Passion.
The Gospel presents a striking contrast.
Jesus is welcomed by crowds who spread branches and garments before Him and acclaim Him as the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Only days later, the liturgy turns toward His suffering and Crucifixion.
That is why Palm Sunday is both joyful and solemn.
The Clear Answer
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem at the beginning of the final week before His Crucifixion. Catholics carry blessed palms in memory of the branches used to welcome Him, and the liturgy also proclaims the Passion to prepare the Church for Holy Week.
What Happened on Palm Sunday?
Jesus entered Jerusalem shortly before the Passover.
The Gospels describe crowds welcoming Him as He approached the city.
Matthew records people spreading their cloaks on the road while others cut branches from trees and placed them along His path.
They cried out:
“Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
The scene carries both royal and messianic symbolism.
Jesus enters Jerusalem not as a military conqueror, but riding humbly on a donkey.
Why Did Jesus Ride a Donkey?
The Gospel explicitly connects Jesus’ entry with the prophecy of Zechariah.
The promised king comes:
“Humble, and riding on a donkey.”
For Christians, the entry reveals what kind of king Jesus is.
His kingship is not based on political force or earthly domination.
He enters Jerusalem in humility and moves toward the Cross.
What Does “Hosanna” Mean?
The word Hosanna comes from a Hebrew expression associated with a plea for salvation.
By the time of Jesus, it was also used as an acclamation of praise.
The crowds combine it with words from Psalm 118:
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
The Christian liturgy preserves this language in the Sanctus at Mass:
“Hosanna in the highest.”
So Palm Sunday connects the Gospel scene with words Catholics still hear regularly in worship.
Why Do Catholics Carry Palm Branches?
Palms recall the branches used by the crowd to welcome Jesus.
At Palm Sunday Mass, branches are blessed and carried in procession or held by the faithful as the Church commemorates Christ’s entry into Jerusalem.
Depending on local climate and tradition, actual palm branches may not always be available.
Other suitable branches may be used instead.
The important point is not the species of branch itself, but the biblical event it represents.
What Happens at Catholic Mass on Palm Sunday?
The Roman Catholic celebration is officially called Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord.
The liturgy has two major movements.
The commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem
The celebration may begin with the blessing of branches and a procession or solemn entrance.
The Gospel account of Christ entering Jerusalem is proclaimed.
The proclamation of the Passion
Later in the Mass, the Gospel of the Passion of Christ is read.
This dramatic shift is intentional.
The same liturgy moves from the crowd welcoming Jesus to the events of His suffering and death.
Palm Sunday therefore prepares Catholics spiritually for the whole of Holy Week.
Why Is Palm Sunday Also Called Passion Sunday?
The full Roman Catholic title is Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord.
That title expresses the two sides of the celebration:
- The triumphant entrance into Jerusalem
- The Passion and death toward which Jesus is moving
Calling it only a celebration of palms can therefore miss half of its meaning.
The palms point toward a king whose throne will first be the Cross.
Why Are Red Vestments Used?
In the Roman Catholic liturgy, red is used on Palm Sunday.
The color is associated with the Passion and the shedding of Christ’s blood.
Red therefore helps signal that the celebration is already moving toward Good Friday, even though the opening procession has a joyful character.
What Happens to Blessed Palms After Palm Sunday?
Once palms are blessed, Catholics treat them respectfully as blessed devotional objects.
Many people take them home and place them near:
- A crucifix
- A Bible
- A home prayer space
- A sacred image
Some families fold palm leaves into simple crosses.
Blessed palms should not be treated casually as ordinary trash.
When they are no longer usable, they are traditionally burned or buried respectfully.
In many places, palms from a previous Palm Sunday are burned to provide ashes for Ash Wednesday, although local parish practice can vary.
Palm Sunday Traditions Around the World
The central biblical event remains the same, but local Christian communities have developed different ways of expressing it.
Italy and other Catholic countries
Processions with blessed branches are common, often beginning outside the church before the congregation enters for Mass.
Olive branches may also be used in Mediterranean regions where they are readily available.
Spain and Latin America
Public Holy Week processions can be particularly elaborate.
In some places, palm leaves are woven into decorative forms before being carried or displayed.
Mexico
Traditional woven palms may be made into crosses and other devotional forms.
Local customs differ significantly between regions, but the branches continue to recall Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem.
India
Christian communities may combine palm processions with local flowers, music, and regional customs.
The form can vary greatly between Catholic communities in different parts of the country.
Northern and Eastern Europe
Where palm trees historically did not grow, Christians often substituted branches available locally.
Pussy willow branches became particularly associated with Palm Sunday in several Slavic and Eastern Christian traditions.
Eastern Christian traditions
Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians also celebrate Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem.
The feast follows Lazarus Saturday and holds an important place immediately before Holy Week.
Depending on geography, palms, olive branches, willow branches, or other greenery may be used.
The external customs vary, but the focus remains Christ entering Jerusalem and moving toward His Passion.
Is Palm Sunday the Beginning of Holy Week?
Yes.
In Catholic usage, Palm Sunday opens Holy Week.
The days that follow lead toward:
- Holy Thursday and the Last Supper
- Good Friday and the Crucifixion
- Holy Saturday
- The Easter Vigil
- Easter Sunday and the Resurrection
This makes Palm Sunday more than an isolated feast.
It is the doorway into the central events of the Christian liturgical year.
Palm Sunday in Jerusalem
Palm Sunday has a particular significance in Jerusalem because the city is the actual setting of the Gospel event.
Christian pilgrims continue to remember Jesus’ entry through processions and prayer connected with the Mount of Olives and the Old City.
The geography makes the Gospel unusually tangible.
The Mount of Olives, the Kidron Valley, and Jerusalem itself form the landscape through which the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry unfold.
For more on the city's biblical significance, read Why Is Jerusalem Called the Holy City?.
What Does Palm Sunday Mean for Catholics Today?
Palm Sunday invites more than historical remembrance.
It asks an uncomfortable question:
What kind of welcome do we actually give Christ?
The Gospel crowd receives Jesus enthusiastically.
But Holy Week quickly reveals how fragile human enthusiasm can be.
The feast therefore invites Catholics to move beyond momentary religious emotion toward faithfulness.
To welcome Christ means more than holding a palm branch.
It means following Him through sacrifice, service, suffering, and ultimately the hope of Resurrection.
A Simple Palm Sunday Reflection
Lord Jesus Christ,
You entered Jerusalem in humility and were welcomed as King.
Help us not only to praise You when faith feels easy, but also to remain with You when discipleship requires courage, sacrifice, and perseverance.
As we begin Holy Week, lead us more deeply into the mystery of Your Passion and prepare our hearts to celebrate Your Resurrection.
Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Palm Sunday celebrate?
It commemorates Jesus Christ entering Jerusalem shortly before His Passion and Crucifixion.
When is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday is celebrated on the Sunday before Easter and begins Holy Week.
Why do Catholics receive palms?
The palms recall the branches used to welcome Jesus as He entered Jerusalem.
Why is Palm Sunday also connected with the Passion?
The Catholic liturgy proclaims both Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and the account of His Passion, preparing the Church for Holy Week.
Can Catholics throw blessed palms away?
Blessed palms should be treated respectfully. When they can no longer be kept, they are traditionally burned or buried rather than discarded casually.
Are palms always used on Palm Sunday?
Not necessarily. Where palms are unavailable, other suitable branches such as olive or willow may be used according to local tradition.
Why do some Christians use willow branches?
In colder regions where palm trees were historically unavailable, local branches such as pussy willows became traditional substitutes.
Does Palm Sunday start Holy Week?
Yes. It opens the week that leads through the Last Supper, Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Final Thoughts
Palm Sunday begins with branches raised in celebration.
But the Church does not remain there.
The liturgy quickly turns toward the Cross.
That movement captures the meaning of the day.
Jesus enters Jerusalem as King, but His kingship is revealed through humility, sacrifice, and love.
Around the world, Christians may carry palms, olive branches, willow branches, or locally available greenery.
The customs differ.
The Gospel remains the same.
Christ enters Jerusalem, and Holy Week begins.
