March 28, 2007 –- Virgin Islanders are invited to participate in a Palm Sunday observation starting with a Hosanna March at 4 p.m., followed by a multi-congregational service at Emancipation Garden.
Palm Sunday, the last day of Lent in the Christian calendar, recalls the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where followers shouted "Hosanna," and scattered palms in his path.
Sunday's event is organized by the United for the Kingdom of God Committee, comprising women from various island churches. Bands will play in the Hosanna March, and marchers will carry flags, banners and palms, spokeswoman Celia Carroll said on Wednesday.
The march will organize at the Western Cemetery, proceeding east on Main St. to Lionel Roberts Stadium, and from there to Emancipation Garden.
Carroll said she hopes the event will counteract what she bemoaned as "too much violence in our community." She said, "We have the awesome privilege to speak of the goodness and mercy of Jesus Christ."
The theme, "The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand in this Land," will be addressed by five speakers: Pastor Hector Lima, Centro Evangelistico Fuente De Luz, Inc.; Apostle Alger B. Warren, Faith Christian Fellowship Church Alive in Christ; Pastor Oral Hazell, Global Life Church; Pastor Themba Mkhabela, Lutheran Church of the Reformation; and Reverend Ronald D. Walker Jr., Word of Faith International Christian Center.
Carroll said all island churches are invited to participate in this "march of solidarity." She asked that the church organizations bring praise dancers, bands, banners, flags and palms.
Carroll can be reached at 775-9337.
