Proclaiming Jesus’ True Presence through the heart of the city
Corpus Christi is a feast in the Catholic Church that celebrates our belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Corpus Christi is Latin for 'Body of Christ,' and this mystery is highlighted annually through Eucharistic Processions held in many parts of the world. During these processions, the Blessed Sacrament is carried through the streets in public prayer and worship, as the faithful walk together with Christ.
This year in Melbourne, approximately 5,000 people participated in the procession from St Patrick’s Cathedral to Federation Square. It was a beautiful and powerful expression of faith, as the Church publicly proclaimed and worshipped Jesus in the heart of the city.
The feast itself was established in the Church calendar nearly eight hundred years ago following a Eucharistic miracle experienced by a priest who was struggling with doubts about Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. While celebrating Mass, the Sacred Host began to bleed onto the altar. The stained altar linens are still preserved and displayed in Bolsena, Italy. This miracle is one of many Eucharistic miracles recorded throughout history, all pointing to the reality of the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
This year marked the first time Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, joined the procession. As the only MACS Catholic secondary school present, it was both encouraging and inspiring to witness our students taking part, not only representing the school, but also the young Church. It is hoped that their witness will encourage other school communities to participate in future processions.
Below are testimonials from two of our students who attended the event:
“I really enjoyed the day because it helped me to feel God's presence and love. I felt calm and peaceful throughout the walk and I feel more connected to the Lord. It gave me a sense belonging and community.”
(Mikayla J 7CO)
“The Corpus Christi procession was very exciting and exposed me to new parts of Catholicism that I hadn't heard before. The story of how Corpus Christi came to be officially recognised that was told to us on the bus to the city was very intriguing and a beautiful reminder of Jesus' presence in our modern world. Our experience was truly amazing and it was wonderful to see such a large community of people walking for Jesus, both from our school and the public.”
(Best N 10 BU)
