Filipino Catholics celebrate Palm Sunday by waving palm fronds during a Mass on April 1.

The traditional celebration is observed across the Catholic country to mark the first day of the Holy Week.

In Manila, thousands of worshippers attend a morning service at the Santo Domingo Church, as a Catholic priest blesses their palm fronds.

The blessing rite recalls the story of Jesus Christ's entrance to Jerusalem before his passion and crucifixion.

In Catholic belief, the waving of palms is a symbol of discipleship.

(SOUNDBITE)(Filipino) RECEPTIONIST MARIAN PORRAS SAYING:

"There really is a God. You can feel his presence, not only because it's Holy Week. Everyday can be Holy Week."

After the mass, devotees return home and hang their blessed fronds on their front doors and windows, as a sign of welcoming Christ into their homes.

Travis Brecher, Reuters