More Than Just Palms: How Ridgewood is Bringing the True Spirit of Holy Week to Life
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, As the spring air settles over Bergen County, the streets of Ridgewood are filled with more than just the budding of trees. This past weekend, the community witnessed a powerful display of faith and tradition as Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church led the annual Palm Sunday Procession, marking the official start of Holy Week 2026.
While the procession is a beautiful local tradition, it serves as the gateway to the most sacred time of year for millions. But what exactly are we celebrating, and how is the Ridgewood community putting these ancient values into modern action?
What is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. According to tradition, crowds spread palm branches and cloaks across his path—a gesture reserved for royalty.
Today, we carry palms to symbolize victory, peace, and hope. In Ridgewood, the procession is a public witness to these values, bringing the story out of the pews and into the heart of the village.
The Meaning of Holy Week
Holy Week is the final week of Lent, leading up to Easter Sunday. It is a spiritual journey through the most pivotal moments of the Christian faith:
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Holy Thursday: Commemorating the Last Supper and the call to serve others.
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Good Friday: A solemn day reflecting on sacrifice and the Passion.
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Holy Saturday: A time of quiet anticipation and vigil.
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Easter Sunday: The celebration of the Resurrection and the triumph of light over darkness.
Faith in Action: The 150-Basket Miracle
The true meaning of Holy Week isn’t just found in rituals—it’s found in service. This year, the Our Lady of Mount Carmel religious education families and 7th & 8th-grade teens turned the “call to serve” into a reality.
Through their hard work, over 150 Easter baskets were hand-crafted and donated to the Fr. English Center in Paterson. These baskets aren’t just filled with candy; they represent a message of love and inclusion for children in day care and teen programs who might otherwise go without.
“Because of YOU, these children will have a HAPPY EASTER!” – A heartfelt thank you to the Ridgewood families who proved that the spirit of Holy Week is alive and well through their generosity.
Join the Celebration
Holy Week continues throughout this week with various services at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Whether you are a lifelong parishioner or a neighbor looking for a moment of reflection, all are welcome to participate in the upcoming Easter liturgies.
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Tags: Ridgewood NJ Holy Week 2026 Palm Sunday Our Lady of Mount Carmel Community Service Bergen County Events Easter Traditions
