May 12, 2021

Diocesan wide eucharistic rosary procession to be held June 6

REGIONAL
Story and photo by Carolee McGrath

Last year’s annual eucharistic procession was postponed to October 2020 due to the pandemic. It will be held this year on June 6.

NORTHAMPTON – The 19^th annual Diocesan Wide Eucharistic Rosary Procession will be held on Sunday, June 6 from 1-4 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Northampton, coinciding with the feast of Corpus Christi.

The annual event, called, “To Jesus Through Mary, to Console Their Two Hearts,” is organized each year by the Children of Mary, but was canceled last year due to the pandemic. Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne is scheduled to speak at 1 p.m. prior to the procession stepping off on King Street. His talk is entitled “Rescue Mission.”

“The Eucharist is truly Jesus present, body, blood, soul and divinity. As he says, when I am lifted up I will draw all people to myself. When you do a eucharistic procession, you bring people to Jesus,” said Bishop Byrne in a promotional video which can be found at https://vimeo.com/54523190.

“Praying the rosary, just the simple hearing of the Hail Mary can be such a profound gift, to be marching with our Lord and to bring him to people, that is the power of a eucharistic procession,” said Bishop Byrne.

Prayers will be 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.

All safety precautions will be adhered to, including 6-foot distancing, and masks will be required. Upon returning to church, the congregation will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

“What I love about the Eucharist is that it is a little piece of heaven,” said Piper Helenek, in a promotional video produced by her mother April, who also organized the Catholic Life Conference. The 16-year-old and her five siblings shared their love for the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother in the video posted on https://vimeo.com/545249615.

“It literally is body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. Every time I am able to receive him, I feel that peace come into my heart,” said Piper. “You would have to have the Eucharist in order to receive that love and that joy that many people can’t find.”

In addition to adoration and Benediction, there also will be an opportunity for confession.

Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs for overflow seating outside.

More information can be found at eucharisticprocessionnorthampton.com.