June 24, 2026

24th annual Eucharistic Rosary Procession steps off in Northampton

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

NORTHAMPTON – More than 200 people processed with great joy and reverence for the 24^th annual Diocesan Wide Eucharistic Rosary Procession, Friday, June 19. The event, entitled, “To Jesus Through Mary to Console Their Two Hearts,” is organized each year by the Children of Mary and held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish on King Street. This year’s procession celebrated the Consecration of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the 250th birthday of the United States.

Deacon John Leary, of Blessed Trinity Parish in Greenfield, served as the emcee. In his welcome he said, “We come together to celebrate the nation’s 250^th anniversary and call upon the patroness of America, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, to pour out her grace upon us and open our hearts to be transformed by the power of God’s eucharistic love, so we become ‘one body, one spirit, one nation under God.’”

Father Kingsley Ihejirika, the administrator of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, was the guest speaker. Father Ihejirika directs three international organizations in Nigeria: Divine Mercy International Widows and Orphans Organization; Divine Mercy American International Academy; and Divine Mercy Medical Center. His inspiring life story and philanthropic vision are shared in his memoir, “Reawakening Hope: The Mission of a Motherless Child.”

In his talk, he spoke about his mother, who died when he was a toddler.

“The night before she died, she took me to a church and slept behind the altar with me on her chest. She entrusted me to God and to his Sacred Heart,” he explained. With the trauma of losing his mother at a young age he said, “I have learned to turn my pain into gain.” He said he has a devotion to the Sacred Heart and the Blessed Mother.

Before the procession began, the congregation made an act of consecration to the Sacred Heart, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and to St. Joseph. Deacon Daniel Prats, of St. Rose de Lima Parish in Chicopee, offered petitions, and then the procession began. Father Ihejirika carried the monstrance for the 1.5 mile route through downtown Northampton.

“America is broken. Our families are broken. You and I are called to be healers today. It is an answer to God, saying ‘Yes, I am willing to become your light in the world,” said Father Ihejirika.

“Jesus tells us don’t just manifest my love to the world, become my love. That is what we are going to do today. We are not going to tell the world how wonderful Jesus is, but we are going to become Jesus to others,” said Father Ihejirika.

Once back inside the church, children laid flowers in front of a statue of the Blessed Mother and the entire congregation sang the Divine Mercy Chaplet, led by Psalm 33 music ministry.

The morning also included an opportunity for confession.  After Benediction, Psalm 33 sang “America the Beautiful,” as Father Ihejirika blessed the first responders present.

At the conclusion of the event, people gathered for refreshments outside the church.