Corpus Christi Procession

This Sunday my parish will participate in an outdoor Procession of the Blessed Sacrament.

If you are anywhere in the area, I hope you will consider joining us.

Here is the press release as it went out:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Archbishop of Seattle to Lead Corpus Christi Procession in Tacoma

Holy Rosary Catholic Church brings to Tacoma the historical devotion of Eucharistic Procession for the Solemnity of The Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ, Sunday June 2^nd

Tacoma, May 28 – The faithful of Holy Rosary and Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Parishes will march in Eucharistic Procession along a several-block stretch between the two churches, including crossing twice over I-5. The procession will be led by on Sunday June 2, to celebrate the centuries-old Catholic feast day known as ‘Corpus Christi’ or The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

Hundreds of parishioners, led by the Archbishop, priests, deacon, and lay ministers will ‘walk with Christ’, processing in solemn prayer and song behind the canopied, monstrance-ensconced Blessed Sacrament.

Rev. Jacob Maurer, Priest Administrator of the two parishes, says the procession is particularly significant in this Catholic Year of Faith. “It is a great opportunity to both honor our Lord and witness to our neighbor”, he said. “I am enormously grateful for the Archbishop’s willingness to foster and encourage Eucharistic devotion.”

The procession will follow the 11:00 AM Mass, celebrated by the Archbishop. Starting at Holy Rosary Church and proceeding south on Delin Street, the procession will turn left at S. Division Lane before turning back north on Tacoma Avenue South to arrive at Saint Joseph. In keeping with tradition, the procession will pause for devotions at the church before the Archbishop leads the procession back to Holy Rosary.

Eucharistic Procession is a practice that’s been celebrated by Catholics since the 13^th century, particularly in honor of this springtime feast of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ. Commonly termed “Corpus Christi”, the feast celebrates the Catholic belief and tradition of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ – that the consecrated bread and wine truly are the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.  Following a cross bearer, the Archbishop will hold up a monstrance – a golden vessel containing the consecrated bread – under a canopy carried by parishioners. Torchbearers flank the canopy, and the people of the parish will follow behind.

For more information, please contact Rev. Jacob Maurer.

Contact

Reverend Jacob Maurer, Priest Administrator
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church
520 S 30th St, Tacoma, WA
Tacoma WA 98402
(253) 383-4549
fathermaurer@holyrosarytacoma.org

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