Palm Sunday
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, a distinct liturgy that begins with a Gospel reading of Jesus’s journey to Jerusalem at the entrance of the worship space.
Palm Sunday is the first time we hear the Lord’s Passion in the liturgical calendar.
In 2026, Palm Sunday is March 29.
Palm Sunday procession in Jerusalem cancelled due to war
By Beatrice Guarrera
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has announced that the traditional Palm Sunday procession, which goes from the Mount of Olives up to Jerusalem, has been cancelled and will be replaced by a moment of prayer for the city at a location yet to be determined.
In a statement, the Cardinal explained that the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday, usually held in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, has been postponed to a later date, as soon as the situation allows and possibly within the Easter season.
Ordinary public celebrations will not be possible
“The restrictions imposed by the conflict and the events of recent days do not bode well for any imminent improvement,” the Cardinal highlighted.
“In constant dialogue with the competent authorities, together with the other Christian Churches, we are evaluating how, in the ways to be agreed upon, we can celebrate the central Mystery of our salvation in the heart of our Churches,” he said.