138. "In Holy Week, the Church celebrates the mysteries of
salvation accomplished by Christ in the last days of the earthly life, beginning
with his messianic entry into Jerusalem"(141).
The people are notably involved in the rites of Holy Week. Many of
them still bear the traces of their origins in popular piety. It has come about,
however, that in the course of the centauries, a form of celebrative parallelism
has arisen in the Rites of Holy Week, resulting in two cycles each with its own
specific character: one is strictly liturgical, the other is marked by
particular pious exercise, especially processions.
This divergence should be oriented towards a correct harmonisation
of the liturgical celebrations and pious exercises. Indeed, the attention and
interest in manifestations of popular piety, traditionally observed among the
people, should lead to a correct appreciation of the liturgical actions, which
are supported by popular piety.
Palm Sunday
Palms, olive branches and other fronds
139. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, or "Passion Sunday", which
unites the royal splendour of Christ with the proclamation of his
Passion"(142).
The procession, commemorating Christ's messianic entry into
Jerusalem, is joyous and popular in character. The faithful usually keep palm or
olive branches, or other greenery which have been blessed on Palm Sunday in
their homes or in their work places.
The faithful, however, should be instructed as to the meaning of
this celebration so that they might grasp its significance. They should be
opportunely reminded that the important thing is participation at the procession
and not only the obtaining of palm or olive branches. Palms or olive branches
should not be kept as amulets, or for therapeutic or magical reasons to dispel
evil spirits or to prevent the damage these cause in the fields or in the homes,
all of which can assume a certain superstitious guise.
Palms and olive branches are kept in the home as a witness to faith in Jesus Christ, the messianic king, and in his Paschal Victory.
Palms and olive branches are kept in the home as a witness to faith in Jesus Christ, the messianic king, and in his Paschal Victory.
Source:Directory on Popular Piety
