AMRITSAR: With peace being the need of the hour in view of the recurrence of vehement natural disasters, conflicts and violence the world over, the Christian community of Amritsar united to hold a ‘Palm Sunday Peace Procession’ under the auspices of the Diocese of Amritsar (DoA), Church of North India (CNI), on Palm Sunday, which is annually celebrated as ‘Peace Day’.
The march aimed to spread a message of peace and hope, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds in a shared commitment to fostering harmony and understanding in the face of adversity.
Carrying palm branches and crosses made from palm leaves, the Christians of Amritsar took to the streets of the city, proclaiming “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” The event was preceded by special worship services at churches of the diocese in various locations including Amritsar, Ajnala, Batala, Khem Karan, Tarn Taran, Attari, and Bhindi Saidan.
After these services, members of the churches, led by local convenors, participated in smaller processions that eventually merged into the main procession starting from St Paul’s Church on Court Road.
The Right Reverend Manoj Charan, Bishop of the DoA, CNI, explained that Palm Sunday marks the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem before His Crucifixion on Good Friday. “In keeping with this tradition, we hold a Palm Sunday procession with palm branches, and we observe this day as ‘Peace Day’ each year to pray for global peace, ” he said.
“In a world plagued by conflicts and uncertainties, we must strive for peace, just as Jesus Christ taught us. As peacemakers, we are called to be children of God, spreading love, harmony, and understanding. May we find solace in Isaiah 26:3, which reminds us, 'You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You’, ” Bishop Charan added.
Discussing the purpose of the ‘Peace March’, Bishop Manoj Charan emphasized that beyond the traditional celebration of Palm Sunday, the event aimed to offer solidarity to the suffering humanity, assuring them that they are not alone in their struggles and that prayers are being offered for them daily. “Jesus Christ, Who is known as the ‘Prince of Peace’, came to establish a peace that transcends the world’s understanding—a peace rooted in righteousness and justice. We believe in the transformative power of consistent prayer, which can foster global peace, ” he said.
Mr Daniel B Das, Secretary, ADTA, Diocese of Amritsar (DoA), Church of North India (CNI), and Convenor, Palm Sunday Peace March Organizing Committee highlighted the diocese’s ongoing efforts to promote peace through its welfare initiatives. “Our Socio-Economic Development Programme, along with other projects like the Education Project, Jagriti Bhalai Kendra, and programmes for youth and children, are dedicated to the welfare of people, especially the marginalized, ” he said. “These efforts are a form of prayer in action, aimed at addressing key issues and fostering peace in our communities, ” said Mr Om Prakash, Co-Convener, Palm Sunday Peace March Organizing Committee.
A large and diverse group of participants, including presbyters, congregations from the diocese's three churches in Amritsar, diocesan office bearers, members of the Executive Committee, and representatives from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, joined forces to take part in the Palm Sunday Peace Procession.