Thousands of Christians celebrate Palm Sunday in the Borderland

Tall, green palm leaves stick out over the pews at St. Pius Catholic Church.

Father Francisco Hernandez blesses the palms. It’s a moment he’s always dreamed of.

“I’ve only been a priest for 11 months, so to lead my first Palm Sunday is a magical experience,” Hernandez said. “To see the people with their palms, me blessing them, me playing the part of Jesus, and entering this — it’s a new life that I’ve chosen for myself.”

Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week for Christians. It’s a celebration of Jesus’ return to Jerusalem — a week before he resurrected.

“The importance is that Jesus came to save us, and this is a way for us to remember him entering Jerusalem, so that he could die for us on the cross,” Hernandez said. “(We) remember that sacrifice that he gave us.”

Parishoner Efrain Ruiz was one people handing out palms.

“People dress up, and there’s more activity,” Ruiz said. “It”s a beautiful mass.”

The palms represent the leaves and branches that were laid in Jesus’ path as he made his way to Jerusalem.

“We try to incorporate that for them so it can become real. So they can really feel Christ’s presence as they prepare for Easter,” Hernandez said.

The ash that is used on Ash Wednesday comes from burnt palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday.