Hundreds of parishioners packed St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church in Warren on Sunday to celebrate Palm Sunday. For Christians, Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion, where palm leaves and clothing were laid in his path.
The tight-knit Detroit Maronite community packed the church, making for a standing-room-only service. Chorbishop Alfred Badawi led the Palm Sunday mass, which included a traditional outdoor procession.
“From a religious point of view, we’re receiving Jesus Christ to our home, to our hearts. This is a revival, the way I look at it. We get closer to God. And for the community, to bring everyone together at this holiday and we’re here for the kids, this represents the love and respect of the Maronite community in Detroit,” said Abdou Deban, a longtime and active Maronite parishioner.
Meanwhile, Bishop Abdullah Elias Zaidan led the mass at St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church on Kercheval Avenue in Detroit. This is the Bishop Zaidan’s first visit to Michigan since succeeding Bishop Robert Shaheen.
For St. Sharbel, welcoming the Bishop to Michigan and celebrating Holy Week is a perfect commencement to what is widely considered to be the most important season of the Christian year.
“We’re getting unified around the church, getting focused on what’s important in life. Through church, through Christ and through family, we strengthen this community all together,” Deban said.
Check out the gallery of photos below.
