Corpus Christi Procession

This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). In the United States, this feast is transferred from its traditional date of the second Thursday after Pentecost, and encourages us to focus even more closely at what we celebrate at each and every Mass—the source and summit of our faith: the Holy Eucharist. Without the Eucharist, there is no Church. And without the Church, there is no Eucharist.

On this celebration, processions with the Most Blessed Sacrament have traditionally followed Mass. Why? As Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside Mass explains, “When the Eucharist is carried through the streets in a solemn procession with singing, the Christian people give public witness of faith and devotion toward the sacrament” (#101). In fact, it was shortly after Vatican II that the Holy See clarified that Eucharistic processions MUST leave the church building because as Catholics, we are called to bring Christ to the world: both in the manner of our lives and, when possible, in the Blessed Sacrament himself. In a sentence: Church is not meant to stay in church!

As we celebrate this blessed feast of our Lord’s Body and Blood, we invite you to renew your devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Following the 11:00am Mass, we will process from the Basilica to the Shrine Park. Throughout the procession, we will adore our Lord in the Eucharist with prayers and songs. Arriving at the Shrine Park altar, we will have a short period of adoration followed by benediction.

After benediction, we invite everybody to enjoy a picnic lunch with family and friends. Bring your own basket! Right now the weather is looking picture-perfect.

Come worship our Lord in the Eucharist! We hope to see you Sunday.

Peace and all good,

The Franciscan Friars and Staff of OLC

P.S. Due to the procession, there will be no Shrine Devotions or History Talk and Tour on Sunday.