Palm Sunday embraces a number of contrasting themes. It celebrates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as King. But it also marks the beginning of the journey that leads to the cross. Since earliest times, the gospel accounts releating to both these events have always been read on Palm Sunday, as a reminder that the crowd that shouted 'Hosanna' on Sunday are, by Friday, shouting 'Crucify'. The Palm Sunday service recognises that there is in all of us, this ambivalence between loving Christ and rejecting him. Entering the darkness of God Friday is a necessary step on the journey from the 'Hosannas' of Palm Sunday to the 'Hallelujahs' of Easter.
Traditionally, the Palm Sunday service is a joint act of worship between neighbouring churches. The photos below show some of the joint processions.
The service moves between Holy Trinity and the Cathedral. In Priory Gardens 'The Passion of our Lord' is enacted by the young people.
Click on the thumbnails to see the full size picture.
| Starting in the Cathedral | Descending the Cathedral steps | Part 2 in University Square |
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| On route to Priory Gardens | Gospel of the Passion | Lone piper plays Amazing Grace |
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| Click here for a video clip of the procession | Click here for a video clip of the Passion | Click here for a video clip of the piper |
| Cathedral staff arrive at Holy Trinity | Waiting to move off | Priory Gardens - Gospel read |
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| Processing to the Cathedral Ruins | ||
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| Cathedral Ruins | Renacting the Passion of our Lord | |
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| Arriving at the Catherdral | ||
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