In Nyíregyháza, according to tradition, on the Saturday preceding Palm Sunday, 12/04/2025, the city's Way of the Cross started from Saint Anthony Chapel on Vasgyár Street. In Debrecen, on Palm Sunday, the faithful set out for an ecumenical Way of the Cross with the city's Christian denominations.
Hundreds of participants joined the Nyíregyháza city's Way of the Cross this year, arriving from several settlements of the diocese. Bishop Ferenc Palánki and Bishop Emeritus Nándor Bosák also took part in the Way of the Cross.
The procession started from Saint Anthony Chapel on Vasgyár Street with the blessing of Bishop Emeritus Nándor Bosák, following the traditional route of Széchenyi Street – Kossuth Square – Hunyadi Street, until it reached the Northern Cemetery. Our Christian brethren, such as the Reformed and Greek Catholics, also joined the Way of the Cross by reading one station each and assisting in carrying the cross.
The Stations were read by young people, complemented this year by meditations related to the hymn of love.
In the Northern Cemetery, Bishop Ferenc Palánki reminded everyone of Pope Francis' Lenten message – 'We are on the way, together, in hope' – which was also manifested during today's Way of the Cross, as this is the way of God's love.
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On Palm Sunday – 13/04/2025 – the city of Debrecen commemorated Palm Sunday, the events of Holy Week that followed, and the Passion of Christ, in a unique way in Hungary, with its Christian communities, artistic ensembles, and the city's residents jointly participating in an ecumenical Way of the Cross procession.
Mayor László Papp welcomed the celebrants in front of the Great Reformed Church of Debrecen. As he stated: Debrecen is not only a special city but also a coexisting community. All of us present here are the perpetuators of a thousand-year-old tradition. For already in the I and II centuries, people commemorated Jesus' entry into Jerusalem by waving palm branches, pussy willows, and tree branches. Paying tribute to that divine and human greatness, that by accepting what was to come – all the difficulties, all the humiliation – yet He proudly entered Jerusalem, giving faith to the people. "I believe that this can also be an example in our lives, that we must face difficulties because we know that by doing so we serve the good," he emphasised. The Mayor expressed his joy that during the ecumenical event, they could together experience the beauty of Palm Sunday, prepare together for the feast of Easter, and complete the six Stations.
Following the prayer of Fülöp Kocsis, Archbishop-Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Hajdúdorog, Pál Ferenczi, Chief Pastoral Notary of the Transtisza Reformed Church District, based his thoughts on a biblical quote, stating, among other things: "On this Palm Sunday too, let us proclaim that Jesus did not only come to His people 2000 years ago, but He has been coming ever since, and comes to all who are ready to await and receive Him."
According to Bishop Ferenc Palánki, Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Debrecen-Nyíregyháza: "Today here in Debrecen, we too, like Christians all over the world, follow in Jesus' footsteps by walking the Way of the Cross." Following his speech, the Bishop called upon those present for a joint prayer.
After all this, the blessed pussy willows were distributed among those present by folk dancers.
The Way of the Cross proceeded from the Great Church, touching the following stations: Kossuth Square – Saint Stephen Statue – Old Town Hall – Small Reformed Church – Csokonai Theatre – Saint Anne Cathedral.
Participating in the programme accompanying the Way of the Cross were members of Kuckó Artists' Studio, Saint Ladislaus Greek Catholic Secondary School and Technical College, Svetits Catholic Primary and Secondary School and Boarding School, students of Debrecen Ady Endre Secondary School, Debrecen Garrison Orchestra, Főnix Children's and Youth Folk Dance Ensemble, Debrecen Hajdú Dance Ensemble, Hortobágy Folk Dance Ensemble, Debrecen Folk Ensemble, members of Forgórózsa Dance Ensemble, Pendely Vocal Ensemble-Family, Martin Brass Wind Ensemble, Sol Oriens Choir, and Csokonai National Theatre Debrecen.
To conclude the celebration, a musical worship service titled Dominica Palmarum awaited the audience in the Great Church, with the participation of the Debrecen Garrison Orchestra.
Source: debrecen.hu