THE palm is a symbol of martyrdom, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said.
The prelate said this in his homily during a Palm Sunday mass, April 2, 2023, at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in Cebu City. Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, which ends on Saturday, April 8.
Palma said that many known martyrs in the Catholic Church are depicted holding a palm, including Cebuano Saint Pedro Calungsod.
He further noted that martyrdom does not always mean dying for one’s faith, but rather bearing witness that God is present in one’s life.
“Not all of us will die as martyrs like San Pedro Calungsod and San Lorenzo Ruiz, but all of us are witnesses through faith,” Palma said in Cebuano.
Palma reminded the Cebuanos of the true reason for Holy Week, which he said is the salvation of humanity through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. He urged the faithful to reflect on the great love of Jesus and His readiness to embrace them despite the suffering and death He endured.
Palma also expressed his gratitude to Cebuano faithful who continue to participate in the religious activities of the Church.
“I hope that this year’s Holy Week may be an occasion to bring us holiness,” Palma said while expressing his hopes that this year’s observance would deepen Christians’ faith and strengthen their love for God.