Herbert Munguleni
Fr. Herman Mukasa Zziwa, the Chaplain of the Nkumba University-based Holy Family Chaplaincy has urged Christians to confess their sins before Good Friday. The call was made during the 13th April Palm Sunday mass, which was conducted in commemoration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
The mass, led by Associate Prof. Rev. Fr. Norman Nsereko, Assistant Chaplain of Nkumba University Holy Family, began at 7:15 am in front of the Mpanga Library. After blessing the palms, the congregation trekked to the chapel, singing hymns along the way. The choir, clad in cream and green gowns, added to the solemnity of the occasion with their beautiful singing.
During his preaching, Fr. Norman Nsereko emphasized the importance of continuous prayer, especially during Holy Week. “Don’t stop coming today to pray, but let’s keep praying on a regular basis to see that we can pass through this Holy Week,” he said.
Building on this message, Fr. Herman Zziwa urged Christians to confess their sins before Good Friday. “I know you don’t want to confess because you fear us, but we are not the only priests around,” he said. “You can go anywhere and confess because it’s going to be bad if Jesus dies for your sins on Friday, yet you have kept them for Easter.”
With a busy schedule of prayers starting on Thursday evening at 5 pm, Fr. Zziwa encouraged all students, especially Catholics, to be active in prayers this week. “Let’s ensure that we have colorful celebrations of the death and resurrection of Christ,” he said, urging the faithful to prepare their hearts for the Easter celebrations.
Palm Sunday is a significant day in the Christian calendar that marks the beginning of Holy Week, symbolizing Jesus’ arrival in peace, riding on a donkey, rather than a war-waging king on a horse. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, symbolizing peace and humility.
Christians gather every year to observe the day with special services and processions often featuring palm branches and candles. Palm branches are blessed by clergy and taken home by congregants as symbols of peace and victory. The day serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
