.jpg "Corpus Christi - Renata Grzan")
The clouds were looking ominous as the Corpus Christi Procession started in Old Town Alexandria,VA, and some sprinkles did start towards the end, but the major rain held off until after the procession ended.
It was rather windy, proving a challenge to keep the canopy steady over the monstrance, but it did make me think of the turbulent forces Christ has to deal with as He makes His way through the busy, preoccupied and sometimes seriously sinful figurative streets in our daily lives. There are those who will follow Him no mater what, and those that will look on in bewilderment, confusion or disinterest. We encountered people such as these along the procession route yesterday.
Here are some pictures from the procession that went from St Mary’s to the nearby cemetery where we stopped and prayed a rosary before returning to the church.
For a reflection, I’ll include the end of the Holy Father’s homily at this year’s Corpus Christ Procession in Rome:
“On the feast of Corpus Christi we especially look at the sign of bread. It reminds us of the pilgrimage of Israel during the 40 years in the desert. The Host is our manna whereby the Lord nourishes us – it is truly the bread of heaven, through which he gives himself.
In the procession we follow this sign and in this way we follow Christ himself. And we ask of him: Guide us on the paths of our history! Show the Church and her Pastors again and again the right path! Look at suffering humanity, cautiously seeking a way through so much doubt; look upon the physical and mental hunger that torments it! Give men and women bread for body and soul! Give them work! Give them light! Give them yourself! Purify and sanctify all of us! Make us understand that only through participation in your Passion, through “yes” to the cross, to self-denial, to the purifications that you impose upon us, our lives can mature and arrive at true fulfillment. Gather us together from all corners of the earth. Unite your Church, unite wounded humanity! Give us your salvation! Amen.”
Renata, Katie and I have been looking over your website…you photographs are so beautiful. You truly have a gift.
Thank you so much!
This is such a great series. I didn’t realize St. Mary’s did this every year! I especially liked the shots you got to include one of the bewildered/perplexed/disinterested onlookers, since the proclamation of Christ is such an integral part of the procession. Beautiful photos!