A Blessed Beginning of the Holy Week: Palm Sunday Celebration at Derebail Parish

The triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, celebrated as Palm Sunday by the Catholic Church, marks a blessed beginning to the Holy Week. The parishioners of Most Holy Redeemer Church Derebail assembled at Holy Family School Grounds for the blessing of the Palm and prayer at 7:00 AM on 29th March, 2026. After the blessing of the palms, the parishioners . The Bishop of Gulbarga Diocese Most Rev. Robert Miranda was the main celebrant. The mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Praveen Leo Lasrado, Secretary of Catholic Board of Education; Rev. Fr. Santhosh Rodrigues, Director, Pastoral Institute Bajjodi; Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis, Parish Priest; and Rev. Fr. Steevan Nelson Peris, Assistant Parish Priest.

The Gospel reading, led by Most Rev Robert Miranda, Rev. Fr. Leo Lasrado and Rev. Fr. Santhosh Rodrigues, recounted the Passion of Christ. In the sermon, Most Rev Robert MIranda, reflected on the significance of the day and narrated a story from his experience as the First Bishop of Gulbarga Diocese. He urged the parishioners to aid the missionaries and encouraged the children of the parish to join this noble mission.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Bishop and priests who celebrated the Holy Mass.

The Children's choir enhanced the prayerful atmosphere of the mass. The priest and many attendees wore the liturgical attire in colour red and added to the solemnity of the mass.

Report by: Portia Furtado
Pictures: Roshan Fernandes