PALM SATURDAY WALK
Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary
(cf. Is 40:31)
Saturday, April 12 2025
PALM SATURDAY
Last year’s edition of the Palm Saturday Walk
Mission Jeunesse invites teens, young adults, and all those who wish to join this pilgrimage to experience a unique moment of faith and communion, echoing the invitation of Pope Francis for the Jubilee 2025: to be pilgrims of hope.
The walk begins at St. Joseph’s Oratory, where we gather as youth in prayer, music, and reflection. From there, we walk through the heart of Montreal (5km), palms in hand, as a testimony of faith, joy, and hope. Just like the crowd that welcomed Jesus in Jerusalem, this procession is a visible sign of Christ’s presence in the city and the world.
The arrival at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral marks the beginning of the Palm Sunday Mass, entirely animated by youth, for youth. From the music to the readings, prayers, and Gospel, every part of the liturgy is carried by the commitment and fervor of young people.
This pilgrimage is an invitation to fully enter into Holy Week, to follow Christ on his journey to the Cross, and to move forward with confidence towards the light of the Resurrection.
THE BASICS
WHEN?
Saturday, April 12 2025
HELP US TO PLAN!
Pre-registrations are appreciated! Your $5 contribution helps make this event possible.
FOR WHOM?
Teens, young adults and open to all!
*Minors must be accompanied by adult leaders recognized by the parish, movement or community, respecting Responsible Pastoral Ministry practices.
ITINERARY
April 12 2025
3PM
📍 St. Joseph’s Oratory
(Queen Mary)
DISTRIBUTION OF PALMS
🌿 Palms will be distributed by Mission Jeunesse MTL volunteers on Queen Mary Street, at the exit of Saint Joseph’s Oratory.
3PM – 4:40PM
St. Joseph’s Oratory ➔Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
PILGRIMAGE OF HOPE (5km)
The itinerary will be confirmed by the SPVM on the day of the event
4:40PM
📍 René-Lévesque O. Blvd
Mary-Queen-of-the-World Cathedral
BLESSING OF PALMS
🌿 Palms will be distributed on the front steps to those who arrive directly at the Cathedral for mass.
PROGRAM
2pm – Gathering
📍 St. Joseph’s Oratory (Crypt)
The Palm Sunday Walk begins with a youth gathering for teens and young adults in the Crypt of St. Joseph’s Oratory. This gathering will be led by youth, for youth, with moments of prayer, testimony, and music, all centered around the theme of hope. It will be a time of reflection and joy as we prepare to walk the streets of Montreal with palms in hand, following in the footsteps of Jesus through Jerusalem.
3pm – Distribution of Palms
📍 St. Joseph’s Oratory (Queen Mary St. entrance)
On Queen Mary, at the exit of St. Joseph’s Oratory, palms* will be distributed by Mission Jeunesse MTL volunteers, on a first come, first served basis.
*Quantities are limited. A free-will offering of $5 is appreciated. It can be made in advance, or site (cash or PayPal). However, no pre-order of palms will be possible as they will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
3pm – 4:40pm – Pilgrimage of Hope (5km)
St. Joseph’s Oratory ➔ Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
In response to Pope Francis’ invitation for Jubilee 2025, participants, after receiving their palms, will embark on a 5km pilgrimage through the streets of downtown Montreal, from St. Joseph’s Oratory to Mary Queen of the World Cathedral. Walking together, with palms in hand, the procession commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
4:40pm – Blessing of Palms
📍 Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
(Front steps on René-Lévesque O. Blvd)
Upon arriving at the front steps of Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, participants will experience the blessing of the palms, which will open the liturgy of the Palm Sunday Mass. This profound moment reminds us of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, welcomed by joyful crowds holding palms, symbols of peace and hope. It is an opportunity to open our hearts, to welcome Christ with the same joy, and to prepare ourselves to fully enter into Holy Week.
Palms will be distributed* at the front steps for those who come directly to the Cathedral for the Palm Sunday Mass.
*Quantities are limited. A free-will offering of $5 is appreciated. It can be made in advance, or site (cash or PayPal). However, no pre-order of palms will be possible as they will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
5pm – Palm Saturday Mass
📍 Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
This Mass is led by the youth,: from the music to the readings, the prayer intentions to the proclamation of the Gospel, every aspect of the liturgy is prepared and led by young people.
As we unite in prayer and celebration, we follow Christ in His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of our journey toward the Paschal Triduum. Through this dynamic and engaging liturgy, we are invited to deepen our faith and prepare to fully experience the mysteries of the Lord’s Passion, death, and Resurrection.
PALMS
Palms are available on a first-come, first-served basis at two moments:
- 3pm on Queen Mary at the entrance of St. Joseph’s Oratory before the walk
- 4:40pm on the front steps of Mary-Queen-of-the-World Cathedral
Quantities are limited. A free-will offering of $5 is appreciated. It can be made in advance, or site (cash or PayPal). However, no pre-order of palms will be possible as they will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
FAQ
Do I have to participate in the whole walk?
Participants are invited to join at any of the three meeting points:
14h: Crypt of St. Joseph’s Oratory – Gathering for teens, young adults and open to all.
16h40: René Lévesque O. Blvd Mary-Queen-of-the-World Cathedral for theBlessing of Palms and Mass
Do I need to register to this event? Is there a registration fee?
Pre-registrations are appreciated for the planning of the event.
PRE-REGISTRATION
Where do we receive palms? Do we bring our own?
Palms are available on a first-come, first-served basis at two moments:
- 3pm on Queen Mary at the entrance of St. Joseph’s Oratory before the walk
- 4:40pm on the front steps of Mary-Queen-of-the-World Cathedral
Quantities are limited. A free-will offering of $5 is appreciated. It can be made in advance, or site (cash or PayPal). However, no pre-order of palms will be possible as they will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
What happens at the Palm Saturday Mass?
The Palm Saturday walk concludes with the Palm Saturday Mass at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral. By coming together in prayer and celebration, we prepare to delve deeper into the central events of our faith during Holy Week, leading us towards the Easter Triduum.
The Palm Saturday Mass will include the entire story of the Passion of Christ, with engaging and enriching animation adapted for youth, to help us delve deeper into the liturgy, making the mass engaging and enriching. Like Palm Sunday mass at any parish, this one will be longer than Sunday mass in Ordinary time.
What to bring? What to wear?
- Dress comfortably for the walk according (depending on the temperature), and appropriately for mass at the Cathedral.
- Wear comfortable shoes and boots for a 5km walk!
- Stay hydrated! Bring water and a snack (if needed) for the walk!
And water? Food?
Please bring your own water and snacks during the walk. Thanks to generous donors, a snack will be available at the end of mass at the Cathedral.
Who is this for?
This event is OPEN TO ALL! Join us as we pray WITH and FOR young people.
It is intended for youth: teens* (13-17 y.o.) and young adults (18-35 y.o.), and Youth Ministry leaders accompanying young people.
*Groups participating with minors must have a number of adult leaders recognized by the parish, movement or community, respecting Responsible Pastoral Ministry practices. These leaders can be youth ministers, leaders, PCL, LPA, catechists, or parents.
About minors...
Groups participating with minors must have a number of adult leaders recognized by the parish, movement or community, respecting Responsible Pastoral Ministry practices. These leaders can be youth ministers, leaders, PCL, LPA, catechists, or parents.
Anyone outside of these age limits are more than welcome to join in praying with and for young people. However, we ask for adult’s collaboration in giving priority to young people in the distribution of palms and at front seats at the Cathedral.