SOLEMNITY OF PALM SUNDAY (YEAR A) AT SAINT MARTIN'S DE PORRES CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL, KATSINA DIOCESE
3/29/2026
The Holy Mass commenced at exactly 8:20am with the faithful gathered at the pavilion for the blessing of palms by the Chief Celebrant, Rev. Fr. Iliya Tsiga, alongside Rev. Fr. Damian Zomahaun and Rev. Fr. Victor Chibuzor. The Gospel for the blessing of palms was proclaimed from the gospel of Matthew.
In a brief homily outside, the Chief Celebrant, Rev. Fr. Iliya Tsiga, encouraged the faithful to prepare spiritually with Christ in the journey of Holy Week. He urged the faithful to let go of their sins and process with Christ in this Paschal journey of redemption.
The faithful then processed into the church, led by the cross bearer, followed by the choir who beautifully rendered the hymn “Ride On in Majesty.” They were followed by the altar knights, lectors, catechists, Knights of St. John International, and the concelebrating priests. The Mass then continued inside the church with the Liturgy of the Word.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The catechist prepared the minds of the faithful for the readings of the day.
The First Reading was taken from the Book of Isaiah (50:4–7).
The Responsorial Psalm was from Psalm 22:8–9, 17–18a, 19–20, 23–24 (R. 2a):
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
The Second Reading was from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians (2:6–11).
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew was proclaimed by the Co-Celebrant, Rev. Fr. Victor Chibuzor.
In his homily, the Chief Celebrant, Rev. Fr. Iliya Tsiga, described Palm Sunday as a day of deep spiritual reflection. He explained that during Holy Week, we reflect on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He stated that the readings of the day point to the suffering servant, Jesus Christ, and the importance of His death for our salvation. The first reading speaks about the prophecy of Christ’s Passion, while the Gospel details the pain and agony Jesus suffered at the hands of the same people who celebrated Him.
He reminded the faithful that although our world is faced with many challenges, Christians must stand firm and identify themselves with Christ by living moral, truthful, and honest lives. Sharing in the Passion of Christ helps us to identify with Him.
He asked the faithful: Do you identify yourself with Christ in your family, business, and place of work?
He encouraged the faithful to be like Mary the Mother of Jesus, Simon of Cyrene, Veronica, Joseph of Arimathea, Mary Magdalene, and the women of Jerusalem who shared in His suffering. He also reminded the faithful that most of the disciples ran away, denied, and even betrayed Jesus. He said we also crucify Christ through our actions, behaviour, sins, backbiting, character assassination, and betrayals, and we must turn away from such actions.
He concluded with a quote from St. Augustine:
“If we journey with Christ in this Passion, at the end of the day we will become Easter people and Alleluia will be our song.”
He prayed that God grants us the grace to participate fully in Christ’s Passion and share in His Resurrection. Amen.
The Creed was recited, followed by the Prayer of the Faithful. The choir then rendered the powerful song “Olisa” as the faithful danced forward to offer their gifts to God.
A mini send-forth ceremony was held for Catechist Joshua Samaila, who has served the cathedral faithfully for 14 years. The congregation expressed deep appreciation and love, wishing him success in his new mission. Additionally, March celebrants marked their birthday thanksgiving. NACC also had their thanksgiving for a successful service year, and Mr. Moses Ogar thanked God for a successful surgery.
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
During the offertory, the choir rendered the hymn “In Thanksgiving and Love” as the faithful prepared for the Eucharistic sacrifice.
Holy Communion was devoutly received by the faithful, accompanied by the hymns “Come Into My Heart Lord Jesus” and “From Salem’s Plain.”
HOLY WEEK ACTIVITIES
Sunday: Service of Hymns by 5:00pm
Tuesday: Chrism Mass by 10:00am (No morning Mass)
Wednesday: Stations of the Cross and Mass (Morning and Evening)
Holy Thursday: Mass by 7:00pm (No morning Mass)
Good Friday: Passion Play (CYON) by 1:30pm; Service by 3:00pm
Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil by 7:00pm (Come with a candle)
Easter Sunday: Three Masses
Easter Monday: One Mass by 7:00am (No evening Mass), Laity Council Meeting by 6:30pm
Confessions: From Thursday to Saturday by 8:00am
The congregation also showed support for the choir towards the acquisition of new cathedral robes.
A Certificate of Honour and a token were presented to Catechist Joshua Samaila by the Catholic Men Organization in appreciation for his active service and support to the CMO and the cathedral.
Catechist Joshua Samaila expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the church for their support throughout his years of service.
The Pastoral Chairman, Engr. Sir Stephen Aluko, on behalf of the Cathedral Administrator, thanked the faithful for their generous support towards the success of the Cathedraticum and encouraged full participation in all Holy Week activities, especially the Lenten Service of Hymns taking place today by 5:00pm.
Also, Rev. Fr. Victor Chibuzor, on behalf of the Cathedral Administrator, introduced Very Rev. Fr. Iliya Tsiga Ibrahim to the faithful who came to worship with the parish. He thanked him for celebrating the Mass with the faithful.
The Mass concluded at 10:50am.
Wishing everyone a grace-filled and spirit-led Holy Week.
