SSPX Largest Corpus Christi Procession in 50 years
SSPX Largest Corpus Christi Solemn Procession in Winnipeg in 50 years!
Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic Church, under the priestly care of the Society of St. Pius X, celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi with a Traditional Solemn Procession on Sunday, June 7th, A.D. 2015, following the Traditional Solemn High Mass, with the Schola singing Gregorian chant.
A family parish barbecue and picnic was held afterwards for all the faithful.
Families travelled from different parts of Manitoba and neighbouring Saskatchewan and North-West Ontario, as well as from international destinations, including Boston.
Main media outlets show to the world the beauty of Corpus Christi in Winnipeg
This Corpus Christi Solemn Procession was heralded by the Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC) as the largest in Winnipeg in 50 years! It covered the procession in its online edition and shared photos. It became one of the main news stories on the CBC Manitoba website. The Winnipeg Free Press’ online edition headline read: “Catholic procession largest to hit Winnipeg streets in 50 years”, and local photographer David Lipnowski published 15 beautiful photos. Other local online news outlets ran the story cincluding Topix and Winnipeg City and Press.
For the Solemn Procession, the Most Blessed Sacrament was carried in the church under ombrellino by the Priest in processional cope and, once in the street, under canopy. Leading the procession was the Cross bearer, flanked by the candle bearers, altar boys, and two thurifers. In total, fifteen altar boys served at Mass and during the Procession with great devotion and piety, praying together before and after the Mass.
The Police escorted the Procession through the North End of Winnipeg down thoroughfares and residential streets for one hour. Along the route, the Rosary was recited, interspersed with traditional hymns, mostly in Latin, with Benediction at a richly decorated Altar of Repose that had been set up in a local park, after which the procession returned to the church for final Benediction and prayers.
Corpus Christi touches hearts. Moving Reactions and Reflections.
Some commented on the faith and piety of the parishioners, as many of the faithful were moved to tears in their devotion on returning to the Church.
A resident in the neighbourhood came across the procession by chance, as she was stepping out of her house. She was so moved to see the Most Blessed Sacrament and the faithful following with such reverence and devotion that she was compelled to join in the procession, attended the picnic and gave a donation to the priest.
Families and neighbours came to their doors and windows to catch a glimpse of the procession, and to take in the sight of the Priest carrying the Most Blessed Sacrament, the thurifers, acolytes, and altar boys in red cassocks and surplice, devoutly walking with their hands in a praying gesture, and the faithful carrying processional banners of several Catholic associations attached to the church. One passerby, upon seeing the procession, started praying the Rosary from the sidewalk.
A professional photographer, and teacher of a local photography group, covered the procession, taking 1,000 photos. He commented on the impressiveness of it all and mentioned he had never seen such a beautiful procession. He also said that he was happy to donate his time and work and offered his services for future events.
One CBC online commentator said about the Corpus Christi procession: “For brief minutes, a glimpse of Grace! Thank you.”
One parishioner, in thanking the priests for making this all possible, captured the essence of the feast of Corpus Christi and expressed what so many felt in their hearts:
Truly it can be said that in this Traditional Solemn High Mass and Corpus Christi procession, you have given us much more than a glimpse or a taste of heaven, but an actual participation in the life of heaven.
Through the eyes of faith we beheld our God on the Altar and in the monstrance, what is more we have received Him into our souls in Holy Communion, and we have seen before our very eyes and physically participated in what might best be described as the most perfect expression of Divine worship possible for a creature in this world and a living image of the order, peace and harmony with which the angels and saints adore and serve God in heaven.”
Significance of Corpus Christi
The Feast of Corpus Christi is a time when Catholics can celebrate the real presence of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist and express their faith and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament in a very public way.
It is also an occasion for reflection, and indeed the restraints of time and place lose their hold on us, and one is almost instinctively propelled into profound contemplation when we consider that here, again as 2,000 years ago, the Saviour of the world traverses the streets of our cities and towns bestowing grace and blessings.
Origin of the Feast of Corpus Christi
The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament was established in A.D. 1246 by Bishop Robert de Thorte of Liege at the suggestion of St. Juliana of Mont Carvillon. It was extended to the universal Catholic Church by Pope Urban IV in A.D. 1264, granting many indulgences to the faithful for the attendance at Mass and at the Office. The Office was composed by St. Thomas Aquinas at the request of the Pope. It is one of the most beautiful in the Roman Breviary and has been admired by millions of people over the centuries.
