Eucharistic procession was public witness to faith

A eucharistic procession is something we’ve done for several years and also something many church parishes across the Archdiocese of New Orleans have done for many years on Corpus Christi Sunday, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. Last year, we processed with the Blessed Sacrament from the cathedral to St. Mary’s Church four blocks away on Chartres Street.

 

These eucharistic  processions are opportunities for us to give thanks to our God for the Eucharist, which is the body and blood of Christ. It also gives us the opportunity to witness to our faith and to bring the Lord Jesus into our streets, which have been stained by the blood of those whose lives have been taken away by murder and racism. We also were able to continue to ask for God’s protection. Many people who have walked these streets have had the coronavirus, and this was a chance for us to pray for them and also for those who have cared for them and for the protection of the entire archdiocese.
    

Why did you decide to process around Jackson Square this year?
    

We realized that because of social-distancing guidelines, the size of the group this year had to be smaller. We thought a shorter route was appropriate. But I must say that because Jackson Square and the cathedral serve as icons of the City of New Orleans, that location was very appropriate because it’s the place where tourists from around the world gather.

 

It was wonderful to witness our faith at a place of such historic and religious significance. It also was humbling to see so many people paying attention and offering their respect and their prayer as we walked past them on the sidewalk with the Eucharist. Even people who did not exactly understand what we were doing knew that this was not just another “parade” in New Orleans but a procession for spiritual reasons.
    

How important was it even for Catholics as a reminder of our belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist?
    

The Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ, and this was a perfect opportunity to be able to teach and preach about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The procession culminated with adoration and Benediction outside the cathedral. It was great to have several Catholic organizations represented in the procession.
    

What have you heard from parishioners now that the social-distancing guidelines have been relaxed somewhat to allow for bigger congregations at Mass?
    

Particularly when we could not celebrate Mass publicly, I was truly inspired by the number of people who expressed how hungry they were for Christ in the Eucharist. Although they were able to watch Mass via socimedia or on TV, they deeply wanted to receive the Eucharist. I think the quarantine period has given Catholics a deeper appreciation for the Mass and Communion. Some have said Catholics may be getting out of the habit of attending Mass. I think it will be very interesting to see how many people return to Mass after the dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is lifted.

 

We don’t exactly know when that will happen, but it could be for several more weeks. This will be an important time of catechesis. We’ve never been through anything like this before – the pandemic and all the changes it has forced us to make in our lives – but it would be my hope and prayer that people would return to Mass in great numbers. I know that God is and has been faithful – even when we’ve had restrictions on our activities. We’ve been able to praise God in different ways, and now we can celebrate the Mass in numbers that will approach what we had before. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. We are privileged to be able to participate in this supreme gift of receiving the body and blood of Christ.
    

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to [email protected].