Sights & Sounds: A special Sacred Heart procession through Newark’s streets
Following a Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, a long line of pilgrims walked from Saint Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark, New Jersey, to the city’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The 1.2-mile walk was filled with music and prayer, along with the sounds of honking cars, police sirens, and other urban noises.
The public gesture marked the 150th anniversary of the consecration of the Diocese of Newark to the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Bishop Michael Corrigan in 1875. He also commissioned the statue of the Sacred Heart that led the procession. It was one of the first public dedications to the Sacred Heart in the United States.
Three priests followed the statue and led the pilgrims in prayer – Bishop-elect Pedro Bismarck Chau, the rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Father Camilo E. Cruz, the pastor of Saint Patrick’s, and Father Ivan Sciberras, the pastor of Saint Peter’s Parish in Belleville.
At the end of the procession, a small band played lively music between the moments of prayer, creating a joyous atmosphere that was matched by the smiles of the pilgrims.
Finding rest in the Sacred Heart of Jesus
When the procession reached the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a Holy Mass was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Michael A. Saporito. In his homily, Bishop Saporito emphasized the enduring relevance of the Sacred Heart in a world often burdened by anxiety, pain, and hopelessness.
“There is no better time than now to set our houses of worship on fire with the divine love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” Bishop Saporito said. “Let us begin tonight, all of us, by rededicating our lives to the Sacred Heart of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us give him our whole hearts — even the broken parts of our hearts — and allow them to find rest in Christ… Let us work with Jesus in becoming people who restore goodness and beauty in the world.”
View more images of the Sacred Heart celebration in our photo gallery and watch a video of the procession below.
Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.
Featured image: A procession to mark the 150th anniversary of the consecration of the Archdiocese of Newark to the Sacred Heart travels through the streets of Newark. (Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Julio Eduardo Herrera)
