Dear friends in Christ
This Solemnity goes back to the thirteenth century. It was first established in the diocese of Liege, and Pope Urban IV instituted it in 1264 for the entire Church. The meaning of this feast is the consideration of and devotion to the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Eucharist. The centre of the feast was to be, as Pope Urban IV described it, a popular devotion reflected in hymns and joy. In the same year St Thomas Aquinas, at the Pope’s request, composed for this day two Offices which have nourished the piety of many Christians throughout the centuries. In many different places the procession with the Monstrance through the streets gives testimony of the Christian people’s faith and love for Christ, who once again passes through our towns, The Procession began in the same way as the feast itself. One day, as Jesus was leaving the city of Jericho, to continue His journey towards Jerusalem, He passed by a blind man who was begging for alms at the side of the road. When he heard the sound of the little crowd that was following the Master, he asked what it meant. The people around him answered: Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. If this Sunday, when the Blessed Sacrament is carried through our towns, someone asked the same question, we can truly respond in the same way. The Blessed Sacrament is simply the most precious gift that exists on earth: God-with-us. Jesus in the Eucharist is our only hope, our consolation and the food for our journey through this earth to Heaven. May this Day be a moment to celebrate our Faith in the abiding presence of Jesus amongst us. Do come and participate in the Eucharistic Procession this Sunday that begins in the church at 4pm and is followed by a Parish Tea. God bless you!
Msgr Kevin Hale