Posted March 26, 2018

Parishioners and visitors came to the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul on Sunday, March 25 for the Mass for Passion (Palm) Sunday, which began with an outdoor procession with palm branches and a Gospel reading before moving into the Cathedral and a Gospel narrative of the passion and crucifixion of Jesus. The Mass, celebrated by the Cathedral’s rector, Father Dennis Gill, marked the beginning of Holy Week, the most solemn time of the liturgical year. Read a reflection on Holy Week by Archbishop Charles Chaput here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Father Dennis Gill, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, blesses the congregation with holy water during the procession with palm branches during the Mass for Passion Sunday, March 25, at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Kevin Gallagher from St. Katherine of Siena Parish in Northeast Philadelphia.

  • Suzanne Dsilval, who is from India but working for a year in Philadelphia, attends the procession during Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Elizabeth, Emma and Sophia Cabral attended Mass at the cathedral while visiting Philadelphia from St. Anthony Parish in Hughson, California.

  • Maeve Garcia and her father Charles came from St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bensalem to attend the 2018 Palm Sunday Mass at the cathedral. (Photo by Sarah Webb)

  • The passion narrative from the Gospel of Mark is sung by three people, plus the choir and participation from the congregation.

  • Michael Messenger Jr., from Holy Name of Jesus in Mullica Hill, New Jersey in the Camden Diocese, often attends Mass at the cathedral in Philadelphia.