Ripon Cathedral marks Palm Sunday with traditional blessing and donkey-led procession
Worshippers gathered in Ripon's market square yesterday for the traditional blessing of the palms which marks the beginning of Holy Week.
The Bishop of Ripon, Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, gave the blessing before the congregation, choir and clergy processed to Ripon Cathedral for a Palm Sunday service.
The Dean of Ripon, John Dobson, said: “It’s been a wonderful morning. The sunshine certainly had people in a positive spirit.
“This is the start of Holy Week so members of the churches are joining together and entering into the drama that we’re relieving this week – the final days of Jesus’ life.
“We had people from the Cathedral community, but also different denominations there.”
The procession, which recreates Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem, was led again this year by Lilly the donkey and her handler, Lilly-May Horn.
A programme of Holy Week services is planned, including a free performance of Bach’s St John Passion by Yorkshire Voices with Chorality Chamber Orchestra on Good Friday.
Mr Dobson said: “Each part of the drama has its own mood and message that is still relevant.”