MANILA, April 12 -- A Catholic priest on Saturday said blessed palm fronds are not mere ornaments but a reminder to the faithful of the importance of accepting Jesus Christ into their lives.

"Blest palm fronds are not to be stored in the house to serve as lucky charms or weapons against evil forces," Fr. Jerome Secillano, spokesperson of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, said in an interview.

"Rather, they are reminders of our willingness and openness to let Jesus in our hearts and homes. But unlike the Jews who welcomed him, we are to remain faithful to Jesus till the end."

Roman Catholics around the world will commemorate Palm Sunday on April 13, the start of the Holy Week.

"Palm Sunday is also called Passion Sunday. The g...