Palm Sunday in Dilla

Getting ready to bless the palm leaves
in front of MHC Church 

Today, we celebrated Palm Sunday at Mary, Help of Christians Church in Dilla.  It was a lovely mass that commenced with a procession outside of the church to bless a large pile of palm fronds.  They were distributed amongst the merry parishioners who then continued the procession into the church to start mass.  Songs were sung gaily by the ceremoniously dressed choir while the churchgoers enthusiastically waved their palm fronds in the air. 

The alter boys getting ready to start the procession.

The choir leading the procession.

The choir has not used their electric keyboard or drum to accompany their songs during Lenten season, so it was with great excitement that these musical instruments were once again being used as accompaniments to their songs.   The atmosphere in the church was livened by the multiple fronds strewn across the flower and by the children wearing creative rings and crowns made out of the palm leaves. It has been a while since I have attended mass on Palm Sunday so I thoroughly enjoyed the way they celebrated it here in Dilla even though it took the better part of three hours to conclude.  Nevertheless, I am eagerly waiting for the Easter celebration to continue, which will recommence on Holy Thursday and conclude on Easter Monday. 

The brightly colored umbrellas are a
traditional part of the Ethiopian mass.

The blessed palm fronds being distributed to the people. 

Sr. Agnese distributing palm leaves.

The palms are being waved while singing Hosanna.

The young people's choir in action with their drum (kabaro).

The church was streaming with palm leaves.

A crown and ring made of palm leaves.

The girls modeling other palm fashion styles.

The boys eager to show off their palms.