PROCESSIONS

Public Eucharistic processions to celebrate the Solemnities of Corpus Christi and Christ the King are a way of inspiring the Catholic community to express Eucharistic faith and love. The procession can be short - conducted around the parish church - or it can be a public demonstration of faith - through the streets of the city.

At the beginning of his pontificate, Pope John Paul II reintroduced the public Eucharistic procession to Rome. Each year, on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in solemn procession from the Basilica of St John Lateran to the Basilica of St Mary Major, where Benediction is given on the steps overlooking the square. Thousands of people take part in this awe-inspiring devotion, carrying lighted candles and singing beautiful Latin hymns to honour the Blessed Sacrament

Members of the Society for Eucharistic Adoration support annual Eucharistic processions which take place at a diocesan and parish level on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.  These processions are an occasion to witness to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and also a joyous devotion uniting the faithful.