Parish News

The Feast of Corpus Christi, established by Pope Urban IV in 1264, holds just as much importance today as it did centuries ago. Its origin lies in a miraculous event that happened a year prior. A priest, struggling to believe in the real presence of Jesus’ Body and Blood in the Eucharist, was celebrating Mass. As he consecrated the host, it began to bleed. When Pope Urban IV learned of this, he ordered the host and the blood-stained cloth to be brought to the cathedral in Orvieto. He personally met the procession, and these relics are still honored there today. The Pope instituted the Solemnity of Corpus Christi to celebrate the profound gift of Christ’s true presence – His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – in the Eucharist.

A Eucharistic procession is like a holy parade where Jesus, truly present in the Holy Eucharist, is carried out into the world. During a procession, a priest places the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance and carries it outside the church. A procession can start at one church and end at another, often connected to a Mass or a period of Adoration.

It can be a short walk around a church’s neighborhood or extend for many miles. Priests, deacons, altar servers, and people of all ages accompany Jesus. They can pray the Rosary, sing hymns, or walk in silent prayer. While often planned for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, these processions can happen at almost any time of the year.

A Eucharistic procession is a wonderful opportunity to worship our Lord and pray together as a community as we witness our faith publicly to the world. There are many different liturgical items used during a procession that you may not be entirely familiar with. The items are listed below with a short explanation. Study ahead of time, and see if you can spot them during our Corpus Christi Procession on June 22!

Monstrance: A liturgical vessel used to display the Blessed Sacrament for public veneration. The name “monstrance” comes from the Latin word, monstrare which means “to show.” Made with precious metal, they are often designed to look like the sun with the Sacred Host displayed in a transparent glass “luna” in the middle and golden beams radiating outward. Other designs look like the façade of a church with the Eucharist in the middle. In either case, the symbolism reminds us that Jesus, in the Eucharist, radiates his love and grace out into the world and into our lives.

Chasuble/Cope: If the procession occurs after Mass, the bishop or priest may continue to wear the chasuble, the vestment he wears for the celebration of the Mass. At the end of Mass, before the procession begins, he may also change into a white cope, the liturgical vestment worn by the bishop or priest similar to a cloak with an open front that is clasped together at the chest.

Humeral Veil: A liturgical vestment worn over the cope on the shoulders (Latin – [h]umera). The humeral veil allows the priest or bishop to hold the monstrance without touching it with his hands. This is a reminder that we are not focusing on the action of the priest; rather, it is Christ himself who walks with us and blesses us during benediction.

Processional Cross: The cross held by an altar server (crucifer or crossbearer) leading the procession. By lifting the cross high, the procession offers the answer to the world’s sufferings and difficulties and invites people to follow, as Pope Francis has said, “…Christ’s Cross is like a beacon that indicates the port to ships that are still afloat on stormy seas.”. (General Audience, March 31, 2021.)

Candles/Torches (at least two): Processional candles are held by altar servers alongside the processional cross. Additional torches can be used to escort the Blessed Sacrament. It is also appropriate for others in the procession to carry small candles.

Thurible(s) with incense: A metal censer held by chains in which incense is burned. The incense symbolizes both the prayers of the people rising up to God as well as the great beauty and mystery of the Eucharist. In a Eucharistic Procession, two thuribles can be used as they alternate incensing the Blessed Sacrament.

Boat: The container for holding the incense held by an altar server near the thuribles so that they can be refilled along the route.

Processional Canopy/Baldachin: A square or rectangular cloth covering for the Blessed Sacrament during a procession. The canopy is carried by four or more people with upright poles. The canopy, while not strictly required, adds dignity to the procession by making a sacred space for the Eucharist throughout the procession. It is reminiscent of the tent of the Lord’s presence where God dwelt with the Israelites in the wilderness.

Bells: Handheld liturgical bells that can be rung along the route and during benediction. The bells indicate to the public that the procession is approaching so that they can prepare for the arrival of Jesus in the Eucharist. Just as the arrival of a king would be announced with trumpet blares, the King of kings’ arrival is announced through the streets with bells and songs.