June 7, 2022

Hundreds attend 20th annual Diocesan Wide Eucharistic Rosary Procession

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

NORTHAMPTON – Close to 500 people attended the 20^th annual Diocesan Wide Eucharistic Rosary Procession Sunday, June 5, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Northampton.

The theme of the procession, organized by the Children of Mary, was “To Jesus Through Mary to Console Their Two Hearts.” The afternoon included eucharistic adoration, the rosary and an opportunity for confession.

Father Jonathan Reardon, pastor of Holy Name Parish in Springfield, spoke on “The Transforming Power of the Eucharist,” before the procession began.

“When we receive holy Communion we should be empowered to change, to do something, not be comfortable with the status quo in our lives,” said Father Reardon.

The procession falls during the Diocese of Springfield’s Year of the Eucharist, which is intended to refocus the faithful on the central teaching that the Eucharist is truly Christ’s body and blood. Christ instituted the Eucharist on the night of the Last Supper when he said, “Take and eat; this is my body” (Matthew 26:26).

Father Reardon is on the Year of the Eucharist committee and is the host of “Witness Wednesdays,” a social media outreach which showcases different people sharing how Jesus in the Eucharist has changed their lives.

“So, we believe Jesus is truly present Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist because he said so, because he said this is my body, this is my blood. So when we receive him in Holy Communion we are reunited with him and the closest we can be this side of eternity,” Father Reardon said.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed Father Reardon’s talk. The congregation then made an act of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to St. Joseph. Prayers were offered for the protection of life; the sanctification of marriage; an increase of vocations; healing for those who have been affected by the sexual abuse scandal; and the protection of those serving in the military.

Following petitions, the procession stepped off on King Street and wound through downtown Northampton. Several priests from across the Diocese of Springfield were in attendance, as well as many families. Once back in the church, children laid flowers before a statue of the Blessed Mother, before the entire congregation sang the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

“I think it’s important that they see and witness what the biggest part of our faith is all about,” said Maria Baez, who brought her 7-year-old daughter with her to the procession. Baez is a member of St. Michael’s Cathedral Parish in Springfield.

Baez said the procession “is all about unity, all the people coming together celebrating Jesus Christ our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.”

A video version of this story will be featured on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.