Sights & Sounds: Parishes proclaim their faith on Corpus Christi
On the weekend of June 7, parishes across the Archdiocese of Newark observed the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ with public processions and acts of devotion that expressed their faith in the Real Presence.
In Kearny, NJ, several parish communities banded together to hold a public Corpus Christi procession that began after Sunday Mass at Saint Stephen’s Church and followed the Holy Eucharist through town streets to the historic Sacred Heart Chapel.
Christ the King Parish in Jersey City sponsored a Saturday procession in Lincoln Park. At Most Holy Name Church in Garfield, the Blessed Sacrament was honored with an altar display that reflected the eucharistic feast. And at Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish in Elizabeth, the community created a stunning tapestry from sand depicting the Body and Blood of Christ, the Virgin Mary at Pentecost, the Lamb of God, and other sacred imagery.
Many other parishes, like Immaculate Heart of Mary in Scotch Plains, Saint Philomena in Livingston, and Saint Rocco and Saint Brigid in Union City also held Corpus Christi processions.
Christ, who ‘comes out to meet us’
With its roots in visions of Christ experienced by a 13th century nun named Juliana, the Feast of Corpus Christi was originally an exclusively French celebration. The feast was soon embraced by Pope Urban IV, however; he made it a solemnity observed by the universal Church which grew in popularity over time.
At beginning of his current trip to Spain, Pope Leo XIV led a Corpus Christi procession through the streets of Madrid that drew more than 1.2 million people.
“Just as Christ gives himself as food in the Eucharistic celebration, the procession shows that he is not confined to the church, but comes out to meet us,” Pope Leo said later that day. “Jesus travels the streets, crosses the squares and visits our neighborhoods, dwelling in the settings of our daily lives. He is a God who is close to us, who walks with his people, the Lord of history. He is comfort to the weak, light for families, hope for the sick and peace for those who suffer. The Christ who processes through the streets in the monstrance is the same one who identifies with the poor, the downtrodden, those who are alone and forsaken.”
To view more images from parish Corpus Christi celebrations around the Archdiocese of Newark, CLICK HERE.
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: Several parishes joined together for a Corpus Christi procession through the streets of Kearny, NJ. (Photo courtesy Saint Stephen’s Parish, Kearny)
