The Most Holy Trinity

06-15-2025Pastor's CornerFr. Bob Deehan

Next Sunday, June 22, the Catholic Church around the world will celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, traditionally known as "Corpus Christi" - Latin for the Body of Christ. This feast's origins go back to the 13th century and not long after that, a tradition of processing with the Holy Eucharist was started. In many Catholic countries, it has been a regular practice. However, in our own country, it has not been very common to have a Corpus Christi procession. But, a growing number of parishes here in the U.S. are reviving the practice.

In fact, Church law promotes such a procession stating, "Wherever in the judgment of the diocesan Bishop it can be done, a procession through the streets is to be held, especially on the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, as a public witness of veneration of the Blessed Eucharist." (Canon 944, # 1) And so, our parish will continue a recent tradition we began in 2017 and have a short Eucharistic Procession immediately following the 10:30 am Mass next Sunday.

Parishioners will process behind our Eucharistic Lord Jesus carried in the monstrance under a canopy and accompanied by prayers and song. The monstrance is a beautiful, elaborate golden vessel, which holds the Eucharistic host allowing people to view our Lord Jesus in sacramental form. The procession will take us in front of the church onto Tremont St. to Chestnut St. returning by way of the lower parking lot, and ending with Benediction on the lawn beside the church. Traffic will be stopped during the procession to assure our safety. This is a way we, as Catholics, can demonstrate to the wider community our faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, and show our devotion and love for Jesus by honoring Him in this public way. It's also an opportunity to evangelize by bringing Jesus closer to our neighbors, inviting them to ponder His extraordinary outreach to humanity by extending His love for them through this special Sacrament.

I hope you and your family will join us for this special event next Sunday. The procession will begin immediately after the 10:30 Mass. If you choose to attend another Mass next weekend, you can still participate in the procession. Just meet in front of the church at 11:30 am. It will conclude with Benediction on the lawn beside the church. This is a short service culminating with a solemn blessing with the Holy Eucharist on the people gathered. Afterwards, all are welcome to stay and enjoy coffee and donuts. So, join fellow parishioners and make this Corpus Christi procession a "teachable moment" for the younger members of our parish, and a wonderful way to celebrate our faith and love of Jesus!