Mayor Rama leads Palm Sunday Walk

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama early morning yesterday led the Palm Sunday Walk that served to celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus in Jerusalem.

The procession, which started at the corner of V. Rama and N. Bacalso Avenues, ended with a mass celebrated by Monsignor Jose S. Montecillo at the Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu Parish Church.

Before the mass, Montecillo blessed the palm fronds of churchgoers brought with them. It was then followed by a procession around the church vicinity before the mass.

 â€œAng lukay, simbolo sa kadaugan batok sa mga dautan (The fronds symbolizes the triumph against evil),” said Montecillo while blessing the palm leaves.

Aside from Rama, the 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. procession was also attended by barangay environmental officers and other people waving palm leaves, which also embellished the road going to Guadalupe church.

A 32-minute passion play, depicting the life and sacrifice of Jesus, was also performed by different youths and Cebu City Government volunteers.

“Makahilak ta tungod kay nabutang sa atong huna-huna ang mga kasakit ni Hesus sa una. Bansay sad kaayo ang mga nagdala sa passion play (The play made me emotional because we are reminded of the suffering of Jesus. The actors were very good also in their portrayals),” a palm leaves vendor said.

The mass was held after the passion play. In his homily, Montecillo said people, especially the youth, should always be reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus.

Mayor Rama applauded the success of the passion play as well as the Palm Sunday Walk.  (FREEMAN)