Faithful Celebrate the Solemn Entrance into Holy Week
by Suzana Fantov
Suzana Fantov delves into the events and celebrations of Palm Sunday Clifton Hill.
In a beautiful atmosphere of unity and faith, the parishioners of St. Nikola Tavelić Church in Clifton Hill, Melbourne, solemnly celebrated Palm Sunday—the Sunday of the Lord’s Passion—marking the beginning of Holy Week. The faithful gathered on Palm Sunday in Clifton Hill, creating a memorable day for everyone.
The procession commenced from a nearby park, where congregants gathered carrying olive branches, palm fronds, and flowers. The event was enriched by the participation of young altar servers, numerous children, members of the folklore group “Mladi Hrvati” (Young Croats), parishioners of all generations, and friends of the parish. Palm Sunday at Clifton Hill was a grand occasion celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm.
Accompanied by hymns, the procession made its way towards the church. The entrance into the church—adorned with palm branches and symbols of Palm Sunday—evoked Jesus’ solemn entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday in Clifton Hill.
Gathering Amidst Lush Palms: A Symbolic Start
Palm Sunday, which officially opens Holy Week, is called Dominica in palmis de Passione Domini (Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion), linking Christ’s royal victory with the foretelling of His suffering. Accompanied by hymns, the procession moved towards the church. The entrance into the church—decorated with palm branches and symbols of Palm Sunday—evoked Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This event made Palm Sunday in Clifton Hill an unforgettable experience.
Olive branches, ready for blessing, and the tradition of palm leaves, maslina (olive) branches, and flowers presented before the blessing were prominent. Members of “Mladi Hrvati,” active in the parish for over 40 years, joined the procession alongside many faithful from other Croatian Catholic parishes. Young altar servers brought pride to the parish, illustrating the continuity of tradition and deeper engagement with faith.
Mass Celebrating the Lord’s Passion
The Mass was presided over by Monsignor Bosiljko Rajić, with Father Velimir Maglica concelebrating. During the service, the Passion according to Luke was read, deeply moving all present and guiding them into reflection on Christ’s sacrifice.
Reflecting on Suffering and Tears
Monsignor Rajić’s homily explored human sorrow: “Inherent in humanity is the capacity to weep. Whoever weeps surrenders to their emotions. Let us try to identify, in Luke’s account of Jesus’ Passion, those who particularly ‘wept.’” He highlighted Peter’s tears after denying Christ: “The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’ He went outside and wept bitterly.”
Tears, he noted, express what words no longer can. Women wept: “A large crowd followed Jesus, including women who mourned and wailed for Him.” Others, too, shed quiet tears over personal grief, suffering, or pain—like Mary, standing beneath the cross, weeping over her child’s death in unimaginable anguish.
Biblical Tears: A Path to Divine Encounter
“Allowing tears is an expression of love,” Monsignor emphasised. “Even Jesus wept: ‘As He approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it.’” Biblical narratives, he added, are filled with tearful stories of people bringing their sorrows to God. He urged the faithful to let tears touch them and present these struggles to God, exploring the events behind their weeping.
“Let us look at suffering in our lives and others’—suffering our souls often do not understand, yet which brings forth tears. To understand, express, and offer tears to God is to rise and confront what depresses us.” Quoting Revelation, he concluded: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Post-Mass Parish Fair: Community and Culture
After Mass, a small parish fair was held in the church hall. Visitors socialised, browsed handmade crafts, and enjoyed delicacies such as čvarci (pork cracklings), homemade cakes, krafne (doughnuts), and fine wines. Andrija and Joyce Horvat showcased their wines. This added another layer to the celebrations of Palm Sunday in Clifton Hill.
Literary and Artistic Offerings
Vladimir Jakopanetz presented his literary works and wood carvings, including his novel U zamci Nefretitis and short story collection Omorina. Andrija Budiša offered Croatian-language books, with children’s picture books and other titles available via croatiabooks.com.au.
Croatian Heritage on Display
Shop’N’Cro displayed Croatian-themed items: encyclopaedias, cookbooks, national flags, pendants, flasks, football jerseys, and souvenirs (shopncro.com).
Community Services Highlighted
Boris Čerina outlined Australian-Croatian Community Support services (accsfd), including care packages, social support groups, and Croatian language courses.
Artistic Easter traditions—painted eggs, candles, and canvases—were showcased by Suzana CRO-Art .https://www.facebook.com/groups/797321626970581
A Testament to Unity and Faith
Palm Sunday in Clifton Hill reaffirmed the strength of community, love, and faith that enlivens this parish. The events of Palm Sunday Clifton Hill will be remembered by everyone who took part in it.
Watch the celebration video here.
