Faithful Remember Victims, Families In 2 NYC Tragedies On Somber Palm Sunday

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Palm Sunday services were more somber this year as worshippers remembered the victims of two tragedies that left families and communities in New York City devastated.

As TV 10/55's Ilana Gold reported, thousands of the faithful sat with their palm fronds in hand for a special Mass.

"Today, Palm Sunday, we gather together to herald with the whole church, the beginning of the celebration of our lord's history," said Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

One of the holiest days on the Christian calendar, they believe Palm Sunday marks the day Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, Gold reported.

"It's a very special, solemn Catholic ritual," said Janice Vernile.

The day's service also brought up last weekend's deadly fire in Midwood, Brooklyn that killed seven young siblings from the Sassoon family.

"Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer for the Sassoon children," church leaders said.

On the Lower East Side, at the Middle Collegiate Church, leaders invited first responders from Thursday's explosion and building collapses on Second Avenue.

"Your quick work saved so many lives. We are honored to host you in this place," said one leader of the congregation.

Nearly two dozen members of the NYPD and FDNY received a round of applause for their work during the tragedy.

"In the midst of fire, in the midst of devastation, in the midst of destruction: hope," said Rev. Jacqui Lewis, Senior Minister Middle Collegiate Church. "Hope: the way the neighbors helped each other. Hope: the way these incredible firefighters and police have helped us all."

And in Lower Manhattan, hundreds from the historic Trinity Wall Street Parish had a different way of celebration Palm Sunday. They walked in a procession down Broadway as their way to remember Jesus' march into Jerusalem.