Fr Alvan Ibeh: The Power of Persistent Prayer
April 14, 2025
Palm Sunday, the gateway to Holy Week, was prayerfully marked at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist with a solemn procession and Mass, led by Bishop Peter Collins.
The celebration began in the cathedral garden with the commemoration of the Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As the faithful gathered in anticipation, the cathedral choir lifted their voices in song to accompany the arrival of the Bishop and ministers. Bishop Peter greeted the congregation warmly and offered a brief address, inviting all present to participate “actively and consciously” in the sacred events of the day.
With great reverence, the Bishop blessed the palms with the following prayer:
“Almighty ever-living God,
sanctify these branches with your blessing,
that we, who follow Christ the King in exultation,
may reach the eternal Jerusalem through him.”
Holy water was then sprinkled over the palms and, through them, the gathered faithful – marking the beginning of the solemn procession.
Following the proclamation of the Gospel according to Luke (19:28–40), the thurifer led the way, followed by the cross, acolytes, servers, choir, ministers and finally the Bishop. The procession circled the exterior of the cathedral before entering through the grand west door, as the choir continued to sing hymns that recalled the joy and hope of Christ’s entry into the Holy City.
Once inside, the celebration of the solemn Mass began. The Gospel reading for the day was the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke – a poignant turning point that draws the faithful into the mystery of Christ’s suffering and sacrifice.
In his homily, Bishop Peter encouraged all present to embrace Holy Week with a wholehearted commitment. Reflecting on the image of cloaks being laid down before Christ, he spoke of it as a symbol of total self-giving – the offering of one’s most valued possessions. “There is no such thing as half-hearted commitment,” he reminded the congregation.
The liturgy concluded with the singing of an Antiphon to the Blessed Virgin Mary, bringing the solemn celebration to a peaceful close as the faithful were sent forth into the journey of Holy Week.
Photographs from the Procession and the Mass can be viewed here.
