From Francis Akinnodi, Ondo & Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

As Christians across the world marked Palm Sunday, the Catholic Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. John Akin Oyejola, has called on Christians, especially Catholic faithful, to actively participate in all the activities marking the Holy Week, which began with the commemoration of Palm Sunday.

Speaking during a joint worship and blessing of palm fronds held at the Olaiya area in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, Bishop Oyejola emphasised the importance of peace and unity among Christian denominations.

He noted that Palm Sunday has become a symbol of togetherness, bringing various congregations together in worship to mark the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem as King.

The event, which featured the convergence of Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, and Catholic faithful, was described as a powerful demonstration of inter-denominational harmony.

Bishop Oyejola, who also serves as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Osun State, used the occasion to explain the spiritual significance of Palm Sunday.

He described it as the beginning of the Holy Week—a sacred period that reflects on the suffering, crucifixion, death, and eventual resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Bishop urged Christians to prepare themselves in holiness, avoid sin, and focus on the redemptive message of Christ.

“Jesus is our beacon of hope, and we must trust in Him at all times,” he declared.

The Bishop further encouraged Catholics to take the Holy Week seriously, noting that it offers a spiritual opportunity to receive the Holy Communion during the Masses to be celebrated throughout the week.

He added that the Lenten season would climax on Easter Sunday, a celebration of Christ’s resurrection and the ultimate victory over death.

“Christ suffered, died, and rose again. That victory has become ours,” he affirmed, urging all Christians to show love and generosity to the needy and less privileged, especially during Lent and the Easter season.

Other leaders from the Anglican, Methodist, and Baptist churches who spoke at the event commended Bishop Oyejola’s leadership and vision for initiating the joint worship. They described the initiative as a strong step toward fostering unity among Christians in the state.

They emphasised the significance of Palm Sunday in the life of the Church, reminding the faithful of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where people hailed Him with shouts of “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

The highlight of the event was a grand procession featuring songs, dances, and the waving of palm fronds, as the congregations marched to their respective churches where Holy Mass and services were conducted by the various bishops and clergy.

Similarly, a Catholic priest, Reverend Fr. Nathaniel Agboh, has called on believers to become beacons of hope and agents of change, despite the challenges facing the nation.

Delivering a homily during Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Ondo, Rev. Fr. Agboh urged the faithful to embrace unity, as exemplified by Jesus Christ during His triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

“Today, we celebrate Christ as the King of Kings,” he said. “Palm Sunday commemorates His royal entry into Jerusalem to accomplish the Paschal mystery. It is a day of triumph, yet it also reminds us of Christ’s passion, His suffering, and His unconditional love.”

He emphasised that the significance of Palm Sunday lies not just in celebration, but in the humility and sacrifice of Jesus, who willingly chose the path of suffering to bring salvation to humanity.

The priest encouraged Nigerians to set aside their differences, prejudices, and grievances—just as the people of Jerusalem did in welcoming Jesus—to promote peace, reconciliation, and unity.