June 4, 2024

Hundreds attend the 22nd annual Eucharistic Rosary Procession

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

NORTHAMPTON – On a picture perfect Sunday, hundreds of people processed through the streets of Northampton for the 22^nd annual Diocesan Wide Eucharistic Rosary Procession, held June 2, on the feast of Corpus Christi. The event is organized each year by the Children of Mary and held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.

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

Father David Aufiero, the pastor of Holy Family Parish in Deerfield, spoke before the procession. His talk was entitled “The Eucharist Will Make You a Saint.” He also spoke about the importance of evangelization.

“Jesus died for us publicly, let’s not only live for him privately,” Father Aufiero told the congregation.

He based his talk on the writings of St. Louis de Montfort and his belief in Marian consecration. An act of consecration to Mary is devoting oneself completely to the Blessed Mother, who leads to her son Jesus.

“The structure of the talk is renouncing the spirit of the world, growing in knowledge of self, growing in knowledge of Mary and growing in knowledge of Jesus,” he said. He also said, Catholics are to receive the Eucharist, and then go out into the world and proclaim the Good News.

“With all of the graces we receive in the Eucharist, we’re able to go and bring Christ’s messages of mercy in the world,” he said.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed Father Aufiero’s talk. The congregation then made an act of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and 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 the petitions, the procession stepped off on King Street and wound through downtown Northampton. People from all across the Diocese of Springfield were in attendance, including many families. Once back in the church, children laid flowers before a statue of the Blessed Mother. Father Aufiero processed with the monstrance through the church as the congregation sang the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Several young people participated in the procession. Father Aufiero spoke directly to the adults about supporting the youth.

“A number of our youth are involved in the youth team and they have a really wonderful community of faith that’s being built up in the diocese right now,” said Father Aufiero, speaking of the growing Diocesan Youth Leadership Team.

“And the effects of the Eucharist are that you really find yourself, you’re able to find your gifts and talents. Many of our teens are excited about that and excited to share that with others as well,” he said.

A video version of this story will be featured on the June 8 edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.