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Branch Sunday

My first year living in Spain I was edified by the many beautiful Catholic traditions that are celebrated across the country.  Statistics show that Catholicism is dying in this former jewel of Christendom; my experiences proved to me otherwise.  The Catholic Faith seemed deeply engrained in the soul of the country and its people.  Semana Santa was always a thrilling time. 
For the suffering people of Spain who this year will be deprived of the glory of its grand processions, liturgies and celebrations,  perhaps this temporary deprivation will lead to a greater appreciation and love for its Catholic roots.
La Macarena.  Jueves Santo en Sevilla.

Domingo de Ramos en Valladolid.
In Madrid on Domingo de Ramos (Branches Sunday), blessed olive branches adorn the entrances to the churches  - so fitting for the heart of España which is geographically surrounded by olivos or olive groves. 
This week Father agreed to bless palms and leave them outside the church for the faithful.  However as palms were not readily available,  I went on a hunt for an olive tree.  An apocalyptic downtown street proved successful and yesterday I delivered a basket of ramos olivarum (as Father called them) to the church for blessing.
Researching Domingo de Ramos I found that palm or olive branches are commonly substituted with yew and willow on Branch Sunday in England.
For our Sunday morning home devotions I used clippings from our English yew as the blessed olive would not be ready till the afternoon.
I recommend reading Fleurs de Marie-Jacqueline's excellent post on Palm Sunday  for information about church decoration for this feast. 

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