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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Thousands of devotees flock to Sta. Maria, Bulacan church on Palm Sunday

Thousands of devotees flock to Sta. Maria, Bulacan church on Palm Sunday

Published Mar 29, 2026 11:45 am
Thousands of Catholic devotees flocked to the Minor Basilica and Parish of La Purisima in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, on Palm Sunday, March 29.
In a phone interview, Governor Daniel Fernando said that Palm Sunday is one of the most significant celebrations of the faith, with thousands of devotees gathering at different Catholic churches across the country, waving palm fronds to be blessed by priests holding Holy Mass.
Thousands of devotees are attending Mass at the Minor Basilica and Parish of La Purisima in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, waves palm fronds as they commemorate Palm Sunday on March 29, 2026—a reenactment of the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Holy Week. (Photo from Freddie Velez)
Thousands of devotees are attending Mass at the Minor Basilica and Parish of La Purisima in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, waves palm fronds as they commemorate Palm Sunday on March 29, 2026—a reenactment of the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Holy Week. (Photo from Freddie Velez)
Aside from the Minor Basilica and Parish of La Purisima Concepcion in Sta. Maria, devotees also gathered at the historic Barasoain Church, Malolos Cathedral, the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, and Santisima Trinidad in the City of Malolos, devotees laid down rugs at entrances while children dressed as angels showered petals, as the image of Jesus Christ riding a donkey arrived in a reenactment of His entry into the Holy Land of Jerusalem.
Fernando added that as the Provincial Government of Bulacan prepares for the Holy Week observance, maneuver platoons of the Bulacan PNP-Provincial Mobile Force Company and emergency rescue units from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), headed by Manuel Lukban Jr., will be deployed to various crowd-drawing Lenten sites.
Devotees are expected to come in droves to witness age-old Lenten traditions, such as the man-made Golgotha in Barangay Kapitangan, Paombong, where faith healers are crucified in a reenactment of the Passion of Jesus Christ.
They also visit the Grotto Shrine in San Jose del Monte City, the Divine Mercy Shrine in Marilao, the Stations of the Cross at Banal na Bundok in San Miguel, and other sites associated with Holy Week observances.
Fernando said authorities aim to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
“Bulacan has many penitential traditions where people can reflect and pray,” he said.
Ambulances were also deployed in key areas across the province as part of emergency response efforts.
Those who need immediate assistance may contact the PDRRMO or call 044-791-0566.
Photo caption:
Thousands of devotees are attending Mass at the Minor Basilica and Parish of La Purisima in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, waves palm fronds as they commemorate Palm Sunday on March 29, 2026—a reenactment of the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Holy Week. (Freddie Velez)
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