Joyful Palm Sunday Procession at Cathedral

On Sunday 29 March, the faithful of the Diocese of East Anglia gathered in a spirit of reverence and joy at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich to celebrate Palm Sunday and begin Holy Week.

The liturgy opened with the commemoration of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem, setting a prayerful and reflective tone.

The congregation assembled in the cathedral garden, where they awaited the arrival of Bishop Peter Collins and the ministers, accompanied by the singing of the choir. Bishop Peter greeted the people and offered a brief address, inviting all present to take part actively and consciously in the celebration.

He then blessed the palms, sprinkling the branches with holy water as a sign of Christ’s kingship and our call to follow Him faithfully. The Gospel account of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1–11) was proclaimed. Following this, Deacon Jonathan began the procession by chanting Procedamus in pace, to which the faithful responded, In nomine Christi. Amen.

The procession was led by the thurifer, followed by the cross and acolytes, servers, choir, ministers and Bishop Peter. Together, they made their way from the garden, onto the road and around before entering the Cathedral. Hymns accompanied the procession, drawing the faithful into a shared act of witness and devotion.

Mass continued with the Liturgy of the Word. The first reading from Isaiah (50:4–7) presented the Suffering Servant, who remains faithful amid suffering and places complete trust in God. This points forward to Christ’s Passion and His steadfast obedience.

The second reading from Philippians (2:6–11) reflected on Christ’s humility. Though divine, He emptied Himself and accepted death on the cross. The reading also proclaims His exaltation, reminding us that humility and obedience lead to glory.

The Gospel was the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. The congregation remained standing and took part at key moments, entering more deeply into the solemn account of Christ’s suffering and death.

In his homily, Bishop Peter encouraged the faithful to come together more regularly in prayer, especially during Holy Week. He reminded all present of the importance of sharing in the Church’s liturgy and deepening their relationship with Christ.

The celebration of Palm Sunday at St John’s Cathedral offered a fitting and prayerful beginning to Holy Week. Through the procession, the readings and the Eucharist, the faithful were drawn into the mystery of Christ’s journey to the cross and invited to walk closely with Him in the days ahead. 

Photographs from the procession and Mass can be viewed here.

Comments