March 23, 2013: The newly elected Pope Francis will celebrate his first Palm Sunday
mass at St. Peter's Square on March 24 at 9:30 am. The Province of Savona, Italy,
on Palm Sunday will pay tribute with palms to the pontificate of Pope Francis. The
donation of palms each year to the Vatican has a long history, a privilege granted
to the region during the pontificate of Pope Sixtus V in 1586. A privilege which the
Pope bestowed on captain Sanremo Bresca Benedict, who was noted for his qualities
of courage and boldness, an acknowledgment to all his descendants who still sees parmureli
gift of community Liguria to the Vatican City. "The palm leaf woven encompasses
multiple meanings - bearers of peace and hope, said the President of the Province
of Savona Angelo Vaccarezza. A small palm tree that becomes the link between the land
and the afterlife, a symbol for all believers who remember with joy the triumphal
entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, he added.
The branches of the palm, used for
the celebration of the rite of Holy Week, are closely tied to the Ligurian tradition
of parmureli, a production that is known in the areas of Bordighera and Sanremo embracing
the entire area Albenga. A real art that the plot of the palm trees, carried out over
the centuries with care and deep devotion. Parmureli in St. Peter's Square have become
the symbol of the faith of the people.”
Since 2004, parmureli enrich the altar
of the Basilica of St. Peter's Square on Palm Sunday. Every year the Pope receives
the large parmurelu, interwoven with more palm leaves and in a particular shape linked
to religious symbols typical of Easter. One hundred and fifty smaller parmureli are
donated to the Cardinals. The parmureli – braided palm - are handmade one by one,
according to tradition, by ordinary people who have become "master weaver" over time.
The palm leaf woven has not only ornamental value, but a deep religious significance.
It brings a message of joy, peace and hope, remembering the triumphal entry of Jesus
into Jerusalem. Source: VR Sedoc