Opening Holy Week at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Archbishop Ronald Hicks urged the faithful to enter more deeply into the mysteries of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

“Through the Resurrection, he won the victory. This is what we celebrate, and it changes everything.”

With those words, Archbishop Hicks set the tone for Palm Sunday Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, marking the beginning of Holy Week.

Inside a packed cathedral, the liturgy began with the blessing of palms as the faithful filled the pews beyond capacity. The celebration quickly gave way to the solemn proclamation of the Passion, drawing those present into the heart of the Church’s most sacred week.

In his homily, Archbishop Hicks urged the faithful not to let Holy Week pass by as routine.

“My friends, today, as we celebrate Palm Sunday, I invite you to go deeper into these mysteries. Don’t let this Holy Week just be another week that you happened to go to church once or twice.”

WATCH: Archbishop Hicks’ Homily: March 29, 2026

Following Mass, the archbishop reflected on the significance of the day and the invitation it carries for the days ahead.

“We can get very busy with our daily life and forget how important this week is. This week that we celebrate for Holy Week changes everything.”

He emphasized that the mysteries commemorated during Holy Week are central to the life of faith.

“These mysteries we celebrate give us the path to salvation, eternal life. It’s the greatest gift ever.”

As Holy Week begins, Archbishop Hicks encouraged the faithful to enter into these sacred days with intention and prayer, carrying what they receive into the world.

In many places this week there are stories of Christians being prevented from celebrating Holy Week and endure persecution for their faith. Archbishop Hicks took a moment to reflect on the importance of Religious Freedom.

“We have to recognize there are Christians all across the world who are being persecuted for their faith,” he said. “Sometimes we can take our own religious liberty for granted and this Holy Week is a great time to pay attention to that, to unite ourselves in solidarity with all of our brothers and sisters across the world.”