5 Things Every Catholic Should Know About Palm Sunday

It Commemorates Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

Palm Sunday celebrates the moment Jesus entered Jerusalem and was welcomed as a king.

People laid palm branches and cloaks on the road, shouting “Hosanna!”—recognizing Him as the Messiah. This event marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Church.

Palms Symbolize Victory and Honor

The palm branches blessed on this day symbolize:

Victory

Triumph

Peace

In ancient times, palms were used to honor kings and victors. By waving palms, the people were proclaiming Jesus as their king—though they did not yet fully understand His mission.

The Mass Includes the Reading of the Passion

Palm Sunday has a unique liturgy: it begins joyfully but quickly turns solemn.

During Mass, the Church proclaims the Passion of Christ (from the Gospels), recounting His suffering and death.

This reminds us that:

The same crowd that praised Him would later reject Him.

Glory and suffering are closely connected in Christ’s mission.

It Begins Holy Week

Palm Sunday officially opens Holy Week, which includes:

Holy Thursday (Last Supper)

Good Friday (Crucifixion)

Holy Saturday

Easter Sunday (Resurrection)

It sets the tone for reflecting on the Passion, death, and Resurrection of Jesus.

The Blessed Palms Are Sacred Sacramentals

The palms you receive at Mass are blessed and considered sacramentals.

Catholics often:

Keep them in their homes as a sign of faith

Place them behind crucifixes or holy images

Return them the following year to be burned for Ash Wednesday.

They serve as a reminder of Christ’s victory and our call to follow Him.

Final Reflection

Palm Sunday is both a celebration and a warning.

It reminds us how quickly hearts can change—but also invites us to remain faithful to Christ not only in moments of joy, but also in times of suffering.

Like the crowds, we are called to welcome Jesus—but unlike them, we are called to follow Him all the way to the Cross and beyond.

Source: Fear Not