JERUSALEM (SE): According to Vatican News, Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has announced that the traditional Palm Sunday procession, which goes from the Mount of Olives up to Jerusalem, has been cancelled. It will instead be replaced by a moment of prayer for the city at a location yet to be determined.
In a statement, Cardinal Pizzaballa explained that the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday, usually held in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, had been postponed to a later date, as soon as the situation allows and possibly within the Easter season.
Ordinary public celebrations will not be possible, Vatican News reports.
“The restrictions imposed by the conflict and the events of recent days do not bode well for any imminent improvement,” the cardinal highlighted.
“In constant dialogue with the competent authorities, together with the other Christian Churches, we are evaluating how, in the ways to be agreed upon, we can celebrate the central Mystery of our salvation in the heart of our Churches,” he said.
Cardinal Pizzaballa underlined that the situation is constantly evolving, making it impossible to provide definitive indications for Holy Week celebrations. He said the Patriarchate will be forced to organise events day by day.
“It is already clear, however, that ordinary celebrations open to all cannot take place,” the cardinal continued, explaining the decision to cancel the Palm Sunday procession and postpone the Chrism Mass.
However, the statement specified that the Patriarchate’s churches remain open, and parish priests and clergy will do their best to encourage prayer and participation of the faithful in Easter celebrations, according to Vatican News.
