Corpus Christi
Very Rev. Nicholas Wichert,
Corpus Christi Procession, 2016
(photo by Emily Gossard)
This coming Sunday my parish will participate in an outdoor Procession of the Blessed Sacrament following the Noon Mass.
This will be the fifth year we’ve taken Jesus through the streets of Tacoma and amongst His people.
In addition, all weekend Masses will be celebrated at the High Altar, Ad Orientem.
If you are anywhere in the area, I hope you will consider joining us.
Eucharistic Procession is a practice that’s been celebrated since the 13th century, particularly in honour of this springtime feast of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.
Commonly termed “Corpus Christi”, the feast celebrates the Catholic belief in 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 and candle-bearers, the priest or deacon carries 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 follow behind.
Corpus Christi Procession, Holy Rosary and St Joseph, Tacoma, 2016
(photo by Emily Gossard)
This year, the priests and parishioners of Saint Joseph will begin the procession, arriving at Holy Rosary, meeting up with us at the end of our Noon Mass – provided we’ve timed it correctly!
Following benediction, both parishes will process from Holy Rosary, across I-5 to Saint Joseph. There we will have some moments of adoration and a benediction.
Then it’s back to Holy Rosary for the same.
Come and join us!
A Medieval Eurcharistic Procession
Following the procession, we will be saying goodbye to our pastor, Fr. Wichert, who is leaving us for St. Brendan’s in Bothell at the end of the month. There will be a potluck in his honour as we reminisce with and celebrate this humble and holy priest of God.