Corpus Christi 2005

In this year of the Eucharist, we give honor to Jesus present in Blessed Sacrament with the traditional procession at the conclusion of the 10:00am Mass.

The cross, adorned with roses, leads the procession around the Cathedral block. The "rainbow" banners are carried by volunteers representing many of the different ministries of the Cathedral.

The children prepare the way by scattering flower petals and waving colorful ribbon sticks.

The entire parish community joins in the Eucharistic procession. As St. Paul says in today's reading: "We, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf."

At the center of the procession is the Blessed Sacrament. Father Ryan carries the monstrance. As a sign of honor to the presence of Christ in our midst, the canopy with symbols of the Eucharist is carried over the exposed sacrament.

From the sequence by St. Thomas Aquinas: "Very bread, good shepherd, tend us; Jesu, of your love befriend us, You refresh us, you defend us; Your eternal goodness send us In the land of life to see."

This year, in honor of our parish centennial, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament took place on the steps of Cathedral Place, on the site of St. Edward's Chapel where the Cathedral parish was founded in November 1904.

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is a custom that originated in Germany in the 14th century. Father Ryan makes the sign of the cross over the entire assembly with the consecrated host.

Along the way, musicians from all seven Cathedral choirs, under the direction of Dr. James Savage, lead us in song. "Jesus here present, our living Savior, grant us your mercy, show us your favor!"

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