Corpus Christi

The tradition of processing with the Blessed Sacrament dates to the 12th century. St. Thomas Aquinas wrote the sequence that is sung on this day: "Lo, the angels' food is given/To the pilgrim who has striven:/See, the children's bread from heaven!"

The procession is led by the crucifix, adorned with roses for the feast.

Jubilate! Young Women's Ensemble leads the way. "Jesus, here present, our living Savior, grant us your mercy, show us your favor!"

It is said that Saint John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, loved this feast more than any other, and would "tolerate no spectators." The entire assembly joins in this procession.

Women of the Cathedral Choir

Children wave streamers and scatter flower petals
to prepare the way.

Children of the Schola Cantorum

Tyrone Heade, Cathedral piper, leads his band of pipers.

At the center of the procession, Father Ryan carries the Blessed Sacrament.

The procession concludes at the entrance to Cathedral Place on Terry Avenue.
"Sing, my tongue, the Savior's glory! Of his flesh the mystery sing!"

"Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf." 1 Cor 10:17

The celebration concludes with the chanting of the Divine Praises and the singing of the antiphon to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Salve Regina.

Click here to read Benedict XVI's homily for Corpus Christi, 2005.

Photos by M. Laughlin copyright (c) St. James Cathedral, 2006.

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