A traditional procession around Winchester on Palm Sunday (29 March) will lead to the Cathedral, when Custos (head virger) and senior members of the clergy are accompanied by a donkey called Romeo to mark the start of Holy Week and Easter.
Palm Sunday procession at Winchester Cathedral marks the start of Holy Week and Easter
The procession begins at 10.10am at the Castle in Winchester, culminating at 10.30am in a Sung Eucharist service in the Cathedral by the boy choristers and lay clerks.
Winchester Chaplain Canon Julian Poppleton visited Romeo at his stables on Monday 23 March.
Julian said:
“Romeo is going to be our Palm Sunday donkey, leading us in pilgrimage towards Winchester Cathedral. Reminding us of the great start of Holy Week and Jesus’ experience of going to Jerusalem and all that will unfold in that wonderful and profound week, we invite everyone to join with us. It’s lovely that Romeo is leading us in that procession through the city on Sunday morning.”
Romeo lives with 25 other donkeys, along with ponies, goats and sheep at a farm on the Somerset/Wiltshire border.
Kelly’s Donkeys visit around 500 care homes throughout the year, and host families and others wishing to visit these looked-after animals, many of them rescued from poor care. The Kelly’s Donkeys team are selected for their excellence in both animal welfare and customer service.
