The Eucharistic Procession: A Moving Sign of Our Faith

Last Sunday at St. Vital in Beaumont, our parish family took part in a beautiful tradition: a Eucharistic procession around the church grounds. This act, simple yet profound, expresses our deep reverence for the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. As we walked together—praying, singing, and carrying Christ in the monstrance—we witnessed to our faith in His abiding presence among us.

Eucharistic processions have deep roots in Catholic history. They became more widespread in the 13th century, especially after the institution of the Feast of Corpus Christi in 1264 by Pope Urban IV. Inspired by the visions of St. Juliana of Liège, the Church began to publicly honor Christ present in the Eucharist—not only at the altar but in the streets and communities of the faithful.

This sacred tradition reminds us that Christ is not confined to the tabernacle; He walks with us in our daily lives. Bringing the Eucharist outside the church walls is a bold proclamation: Jesus is Lord of our families, our neighborhoods, and our world. May our procession be more than a moment—may it shape how we live, as bearers of Christ to all we meet.

— Deacon Dan Ritchie