PALM SATURDAY
WALK

Saturday, March 23 2024

BASICS

ITINERARY

PROGRAM

ABOUT PALMS

FAQ

THE BASICS

WHEN?
Saturday, March 23 2024

FOR WHOM?
OPEN TO ALL! All are welcome to joint to 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.

*Minors must be accompanied by adult leaders recognized by the parish, movement or community, respecting Responsible Pastoral Ministry practices

WHERE? 3 MEETING POINTS
The length of the pilgrimage from the Mount-Royal to Mary-Queen-of-the-World Cathedral is 5km-6km. Participants can choose to join at any of the following meeting points.

2PM: Mount Royal Chalet (Belvedere Kondiaronk)

        Bus 11 or 711,
        Stop Camillien-Houde / Remembrance
        Paid Parking: Terrain 117 (Maison Smith)

4:15PM: Newman Centre, 3484 Peel St.
5PM: Mary-Queen-of-the-World Cathedral 

By popular demand, the Palm Saturday Walk, is making its grand return this year, organized by Mission Jeunesse MTL! After a pause in 2020 due to the pandemic and the relocation of the diocesan World Youth Day (WYD) to Christ the King by Pope Francis, this beloved tradition is back in full force.

The blessing of the Palms at the Mount Royal Cross will mark the 100th anniversary of the current cross, a symbol of faith since the foundation of Ville-Marie in 1642. The tradition of this cross dates back to the installation of the first cross on January 6, 1643. Youth, proudly carrying their Palms, will walk through the streets to conclude this memorable event at the Cathedral for the Palm Saturday Mass, animated by the youth and for the youth.

This event will mark the beginning of Holy Week, highlighting Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and anticipating the crucial moments of the Passion leading up to Good Friday.

ITINERARY*** Saturday, March 23 2024

PALM SATURDAY PILGRIMAGE
Departure:
Mount Royal Chalet (Belvedere Kondiaronk)
Blessing of Palms at Mount-Royal Cross 

PALM SATURDAY PILGRIMAGE
Departure:
Mount-Royal Cross

4:15PM**

PALM SATURDAY PILGRIMAGE
Departure:

Newman Centre
3484 Peel St, Montreal H3A 3T6
Metro: Peel

5PM

PALM SATURDAY MASS
Mary-Queen-of-the-World Cathedral

Metro: Bonaventure

*It is the responsibility of each young adult and adults accompanying minors to make their way there. 

Public Transport (recommended):
Bus 11 or 711, Stop: Camillien-Houde / Remembrance) 
Walk around 700m to the Mount Royal Chalet (Kondiaronk Belvedere

Paid parking:
Terrain 117, Walk around 700m to the Mount Royal Chalet (Kondiaronk Belvedere

** The time of arrival at the Newman Centre and soon after departure is an estimate, as it depends on many external factors. If you plan to join the pilgrimage from the Newman Centre, please arrive here early so you don’t miss us! The Newman Centre team will be waiting to welcome you!

*** Please note that this itinerary is subject to change as it depends on external factors.

PROGRAM

BLESSING OF THE PALMS

The Palm Saturday walk begins with a gathering at Mount Royal Chalet (Belvedere Kondiaronk) for the Blessing of Palms at Mount-Royal Cross, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the current cross, a symbol of faith since the founding of Ville-Marie in 1642. Join us for the blessing of the Palms, a moment of reflection and spiritual preparation as we get ready to walk through the streets of Montreal with our palms in hand, following in the footsteps of Jesus through Jerusalem.

PALM SATURDAY PILGRIMAGE

Join other young people for a pilgrimage through the streets of downtown Montreal, from the foot of Mount Royal Cross to the Newman Centre, and then to Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral. This walk is a testimony of our faith, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Walking together, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, welcomed by the crowd with palms and songs of praise. It is a powerful reminder of our commitment as disciples of Christ, called to witness his love in the world with joy and hope.

PALM SATURDAY MASS

The Palm Saturday walk concludes with the Palm Saturday Mass at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral. Animated by youth, for youth, this Mass marks the beginning of Holy Week. 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.

PALMS

Palms are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the three meeting points (outside the Maison Smith, Newman Centre, 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: Mount Royal Chalet (Belvedere Kondiaronk), the gathering point for the blessing of palms
16h15: Newman Centre,
17h: Mary-Queen-of-the-World Cathedral for the Palm Saturday Mass

How do I get to the cross for the Blessing of Palms?

The Mount Royal meeting point is at the Mount Royal Chalet (Kondiaronk Belvedere) at 2PM. It is the responsibility of each young adult and adults accompanying minors to make their way there. 

Public Transport (recommended):
Bus 11 or 711, Stop: Camillien-Houde / Remembrance) 
Walk around 700m to the Mount Royal Chalet (Kondiaronk Belvedere) 

Paid parking:
Terrain 117, Walk around 700m to the Mount Royal Chalet (Kondiaronk Belvedere

Where do we get palms? Do we bring our own?

Palms available on a first-come, first-served basis at the three meeting points (outside the Maison Smith, Newman Centre, 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 to expect at the Newman Centre ?

The Newman Centre will be available to welcome anyone who would like to join the walk from this meeting point.

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. 

Do I need to register to this event? Is there a registration fee?

No registration is required to participate in this event. Free-will donations are welcome to help cover costs of this event: Donate here