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PALM SUNDAY - BLESSING OF PALMS

closed doors of the Church; the knocking at the door to gain admittance has been abolished. The
procession ends with a final Dominus vobiscum and Prayer, sung in the sanctuary.

These ceremonies recall the mysteries of our Lord's life and teach us their message in an
appealing way. The Decree states, "the liturgical rites of Holy Week possess not only a distinctive
dignity, but also a special sacramental power and effectiveness for the strengthening of the
Christian life."

Blessing of Palms.

The choir sings the following :
Antiphon. Matt. 21, 9

HOSANNA to the Son of David! Blessed is He That cometh in the Name of the Lord. O King of
Israel : hosanna the highest!

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit. Let us pray.

Prayer.

BLESS, we beseech Thee, O Lord, these branches of palm (or of olive or other trees) and grant that,
what
Thy people this day bodily perform for Thy honor, they may perfect spiritually with the greatest
devotion, by gaining a victory over the enemy, and ardently loving every work of mercy. Through
our Lord...

Distribution of the Palms.

When the Blessing is finished, the first in rank among the clergy approaches the altar and gives a
palm to the celebrant. The latter then distributes the palms, first to the clergy, and after­
ward to the laity. Meanwhile the choir sings the following :