The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has canceled the Palm Sunday procession and postponed the Chrism Mass
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has announced the cancellation of this year's traditional Palm Sunday procession, which normally takes place from the Church of Bethpage on the Mount of Olives to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The Patriarchate has deferred the Chrism Mass to a future date, which will be scheduled when conditions allow, ideally during the Easter season, pending approval from the Department of Divine Worship.
The Patriarchate issued guidance for Holy Week observances for Christian churches following the Western calendar. It emphasized that the churches within the diocese will stay open, and pastors and priests will do their best, within their means, to promote prayer and encourage the faithful's participation in Easter celebrations.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pier Battista Pizzaballa, noted that the war this year canceled the usual Lenten procession in Jerusalem, including the official ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and other sacred sites. He mentioned that the faithful missed the communal procession towards Easter, even as they continued their personal preparations.
He noted that the restrictions resulting from the conflict and recent events do not indicate an upcoming improvement. He clarified that the churches, working with relevant authorities, are evaluating potential ways to hold Holy Week celebrations inside the churches, as the situation evolves requiring daily coordination.
Pizzaballa urged unity in prayer on Saturday, March 28, by reciting the Rosary, seeking grace for peace and tranquility, especially for those impacted by the conflict. "We desire peace, and we can only attain peace through prayer," he emphasized.
