Eucharistic processions happened all across the Archdiocese of Edmonton on the Feast of Corpus Christi, on June 2. To see photos of these processions across the Archdiocese, see here. Enjoy the following reflection from Joyce Labella, a parishioner at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Edmonton.
This was an opportunity for all faithful to walk alongside our Lord in a powerful way to bring Jesus’ love to people and to profess our faith that Jesus is a King worth following. The procession route was centered along the streets near St. John Bosco Parish.
Father Raja John, SDB, had invited the parish family to come and “bring Christ, present under the sign of bread, onto the streets of our city” (Pope Benedict Corpus Christi 2005). The response for this first Eucharistic Procession was well received with about 500 people participating.
Every person who participated had a place and a role in walking with Jesus and in walking with one another. From the celebrants Father Raja SDB and Father George Atok, SDB (priest from St. Dominic Savio Parish) carrying the monstrance, which was central and essential, to the altar servers who carried the cross, the lighted candles and the thurible with incense, with the acolytes accompanying the monstrance. Father Chinna Balraj , SDB (St Charles Parish) joined as well. Many of the members of the various councils and ministries of KC, CWL, Legion of Mary and St. Vincent de Paul were carrying flags, banners, and signs. Our Brother Knights were bearers of the canopy- this sacred place for the monstrance. Children were tossing rose petals for the path of Jesus: these children had received their First Holy Communion on this special weekend. There were parents pushing their babies in strollers, toddlers, youth, and adults of all ages including our seniors with canes or walkers to support themselves in this procession. Every person conducted themselves with deep reverence – engaged in proclaiming our faith “God with us and for us.” Each person was mindful with sentiments of gratitude and thanksgiving – walking in silence, reciting the rosary, and singing.
During the procession, there was a stop at one of the school’s parking lots where the Blessed Sacrament was placed on an altar: moments of prayer and a time to listen and reflect on the Word of God, spending time in adoring the Lord knowing that this Eucharist is the gift of Jesus himself, as our spiritual food along the way.
“In this Corpus Domini procession, we walk with the Risen One on his journey to meet the entire world.” Pope Benedict, Corpus Christi 2005
After this station, the procession continued the route returning to St. John Bosco Parish. It was truly a delight to the faithful as one of our parish families decorated this homeward route- there was an altar – table covered with linen with a statue of Mary and Jesus and lighted candles. As well, flower decorations lined the route back to the parish – this added to the solemnity of this Eucharistic Procession. Upon entering the parish, Father Raja and Father George with the parishioners had benediction. After this special procession, everyone was invited to a barbeque hosted by the KC and CWL. It was truly a beautiful and powerful encounter with our Lord.
Joyce Labelle, St. John Bosco Catholic Church, photos by Ronan Fernandes and Levi Mallett
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