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All morning long, we enjoyed the sights and sounds of our local Catholic Parish near our apartment. 

Our windows were opened wide and the services were broadcasted outdoors because the church was overflowing with parishioners celebrating Christ.  Music was piped into our living room and the deep baratone voice of the priests filled the room.  Benches were placed in the small courtyard near the church and small branches were being sold on the corner. 
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We didn't know the exact times of the services so arrived late and stood outside.  We didn't need to speak French to understand "sacrifice and resurrection" and the common language of Christ that we all share.  I was moved by the reverence and the tradition of the local people.
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Mathew 21:6-11
"The disciples brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.  A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road."
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"The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted.
 
Hosanna to the son of David!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!

When Jesus enterd Jerusalem, the whole city ws stirred and asked "Who is this?:
The crowds answered "this is Jesus, the prophet from Nazereth in Galilee".
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This was one Palm Sunday that I shall never forget!
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How very French to have the branch and baguette in one hand and his daughters hand (that you can't see) in the other.
 


Comments

Mom

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 09:12:27

Very special.

 

Elizabeth

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 13:14:03

Lovely.

 

Debra P.

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 06:17:39

Gina, thanks for yet another beautiful post. It is so good to hear that the faith is alive and strong in Paris! I have heard it said, by many in the states who have traveled to Europe, that
the churches are empty and there is a widespread lack of faith. Your post gave me hope for a different belief. I can not imagine how incredible it must have been to hear the Palm Sunday service coming into your windows! I'm sure you will always remember yesterday, as I will not soon forget reading your post. God bless!

 

Gina

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:22:34

Here in Australia huge big fronds from palm trees are cut down and used in processions into the church and cut up palm is handed out. We also do stations of the cross outside the church walking from one giant wooden white cross to another under the shade of the gum trees. Mainly older people are involved. It makes you wonder if we are watching the end of a dying tradition. Or by your photos and the many parents and kids maybe not...

 



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