The Directory, for its part, clarifies that pastors have to “insist that what is truly important is to participate in the procession and not simply obtain a palm or olive branch.”
Father Bonnin comments on a curious fact that occurs in some areas of the provinces of Argentina: “More people participate in Palm Sunday Masses than in Easter Masses, which evidently does not do justice to the liturgical hierarchy and salvific meaning. “It is likely that this greater participation takes place due to the attraction that blessed bouquets have for many brothers.”
“So, can or cannot you carry and preserve palms and olive branches? Yes, of course! But giving them the true meaning and meaning,” concludes the Argentine priest.
This article was originally published on March 31, 2023. It has been updated for republication.