Palm Sunday 2024: Chicago-area Christians hold services, mark the start of Holy Week leading up to Easter [Video]

CHICAGO (WLS) — Christians in the Chicago area marked the start of Holy Week with Palm Sunday.

It celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, days before his crucifixion.

Cardinal Blase Cupich celebrated mass Sunday for the first time since the 75-year-old tendered his obligatory resignation letter to the Pope. Cupich commemorated the start of the most sacred week of the Christian year with parishioners at Holy Name Cathedral.

“Since the beginning of Lent until now, we have prepared our hearts with penance and charitable works,” Cupich said.

Palm Sunday commemorates what Christians believe was the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, when he was greeted by cheering crowds waving palm branches. Also known as Passion Sunday, it is customary for readings to include a narration of the Passion of Christ.

At St. Michael Parish in Orland Park, services included a re-enactment of the Passion, carried out by students at the school. Senior Zach Barrett played Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea …