The Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph held a Palm Sunday Procession from Grand Army Plaza down to the Prospect Heights church. Led by retired Columbian Bishop Alfonso Cabezas, C.M., about 500 people carried their palms through the streets while praying, singing and celebrating.
Bishop Cabezas blessed the congregation on the steps of the co-cathedral before celebrating Mass in Spanish.
“We have arrived! Just as Jesus did, we make the long journey. Today we walk the streets the same way Jesus did when he arrived to Jerusalem,” said Bishop Cabezas. “We have our palms out and celebrate such a beautiful day. We also prepare for later in the week, as Jesus will once again be walking the streets.”
Marco Hernandez, who was visiting relatives for the weekend, joined the procession. “It is beautiful to be a part of this,” he said. “To see so many people take part means a lot. Having the Mass in Spanish allows us as a community to connect better to both our heritage and our faith.”
Esther Rivera added, “This is a great way to start Holy Week. We walk in joy with Jesus while soon we join in His pain, but both days mean so much as He did so much for us. Lent allows us to sacrifice and prepare. We need to hear the message and go out and live that way all year.”
