PROSPECT HEIGHTS — For a third straight year, Bishop Robert Brennan led a holy procession of palm-waving faithful through the streets of Brooklyn on Sunday, March 24, just as the early Christians did during the fourth century in Rome.
Palm Sunday re-enacts Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem when people waved palms to greet him. Palms — which also were placed over the Savior’s path — are a symbol of victory and peace.
“It’s a symbolic way of doing what we should be doing all the time,” Bishop Brennan said. “We take our faith into the streets. We walk with Jesus, remembering that Jesus always walks with us.”
An estimated 200 people marched the half-mile stretch from Grand Army Plaza to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, which, along with the other church in the parish, St. Teresa of Avila, generated many of the participants.
Father Chris Heanue, co-cathedral rector, said the event was conducted by his parishioners and, therefore, was not an official diocesan procession.
That is an important distinction, he explained, because this event did not supplant other Palm Sunday processions held throughout the diocese.
Still, anyone was welcome to join.
Father Henry Torres, pastor of Mary of Nazareth Parish in Fort Greene, was the guide for NET-TV’s first-ever live coverage of the procession.
He said Palm Sunday processions began in the fourth century when Roman Emperor Constantine the Great decriminalized Christianity and converted to it.
“Immediately there was an emergence of Palm Sunday, in which we commemorate our Lord entering Jerusalem triumphant,” Father Torres said.
The very first Holy Week ended with the crucifixion of Christ — a grim contrast to how the week began. That all changed, of course, when Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, Father Torres said.
“He goes to lay down his life for our sins to redeem us to the Father,” he said. “That’s why this week is so exciting — a reflection of who we are and what we are before God.”
The heavy rains Saturday scrubbed the skies clean for Palm Sunday, the traditional start of Holy Week before Easter Sunday. Chilly winds blew, but radiant sunshine also covered the procession.
Vincent LeVien, director of external affairs for DeSales Media Group, and his team worked with the New York City Police Department to ensure the procession moved smoothly with no security or traffic issues.
Before stepping off at Grand Army Plaza, Bishop Brennan blessed the people’s palm branches and prayed in Spanish. The wind gusts carried the fragrance of incense. Next, the procession began with songs and chants, also in Spanish.
“People brought customs from their home countries to us here, their new home in Brooklyn and Queens,” Bishop Brennan said. “Our faith is enriched because we continue to develop these customs right here. It is a great sign of faith.”
Aida Bravo, a member of St. Teresa of Avila, marched with her two sons, Abraham, an altar server, and Xavier. She praised Christ for his protection over her family and community.
“There are so many addictions that can enter our kids’ lives,” she said. “But He is entering with us, in our lives personally, and in our families. Jesus Christ is everything. And he should be everything for everyone.”
After the procession, Bishop Brennan celebrated Mass in Spanish. Father Heanue and Father Vicente Villamil, the co-cathedral parochial vicar, concelebrated.
During his homily — also in Spanish — Bishop Brennan urged the congregation, especially the teens and young adults, to rearrange their busy schedules during Holy Week for a closer connection with Jesus through prayer and actions.
For example, he invited all to join him for another procession. This one is set for Good Friday, marking the Stations of the Cross, from the Cathedral Basilica of St. James in Downtown Brooklyn, over the Brooklyn Bridge, and into Manhattan.
The start of Holy Week marked the end of the second diocesan Lenten Pilgrimage for the diocese.
Catholics, equipped with a special smartphone app to mark their progress, visited multiple parishes to offer adoration to Christ, while also seeing churches new to them, and meeting new people.
“I’m very touched by the participation of the people,” Bishop Brennan said. “The pastors who have been hosting the stops have been so moved by the number of visitors who come to their parishes, to pray, and to be with the Lord.”
After Mass, Marcia Bill-Torres remarked that every Sunday is the Lord’s Day, but Palm Sunday is special for the beauty of the procession. She praised Bishop Brennan’s efforts to celebrate Mass in the first language of many of her fellow members at St. Teresa of Avila.
“Listen, he’s doing great with Spanish,” she said. “We understand what he is saying. All the priests here today are trying to do their best. That’s what makes it worth it to come.”