Corpus Christi – Sunday, June 22 following the 11:00 AM Mass
at St. Luke Parish
On Sunday, June 22, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, traditionally known as Corpus Christi. This feast is a profound reminder of our belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist—not as symbol or metaphor, but truly His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
What is a Eucharistic Procession?
A Eucharistic Procession is a centuries-old tradition in the Catholic Church that expresses our love, reverence, and public witness to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Immediately following Mass, the priest carries the Eucharist, placed in a monstrance, and leads the faithful in a solemn procession—often through streets or around the parish grounds. Accompanied by hymns, prayers, and incense, the procession honors the Lord who continues to dwell with His people.
This visible act of devotion takes what we receive at the altar and carries it into the world. It’s a way of saying: Jesus walks with us—and we with Him.
A Tradition with Deep Roots
The Feast of Corpus Christi was instituted in the 13th century by Pope Urban IV after the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena, where a consecrated host began to bleed during Mass—affirming the Real Presence to a doubting priest. The pope asked St. Thomas Aquinas to compose prayers and hymns for the new feast, many of which are still sung today (Tantum Ergo, Panis Angelicus).
Eucharistic processions soon became part of the celebration—giving Catholics a way to reverently proclaim their faith in the Eucharist not only within the church but also beyond its walls.
Why It Still Matters Today
In a time when faith in the Eucharist is often misunderstood or forgotten, the Church invites us to return to the source and summit of our faith. The Catechism reminds us:
“In the most blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself…” (CCC 1324)
A Eucharistic Procession allows us to:
  • Proclaim our belief in the Real Presence
  • Carry Christ into the heart of our community
  • Deepen our devotion to the Blessed Sacrament
  • Unite as a parish family in worship and witness
Join Us on June 22
We invite you to be part of this beautiful tradition immediately following the 11:00 AM Mass on Sunday, June 22. The procession will go around the block of St. Luke Parish.
Families, children, and parishioners of all ages are welcome—whether you’ve joined a procession before or this will be your first time. It’s a moving and meaningful way to deepen your love for the Eucharist and live out your faith in our Lakewood Community.
Let us walk with Christ—who first walked among us.