Some of those who took part in the Corpus Christi Procession Under persistent heavy rain and a grey overcast sky, the annual Corpus Christi Procession assembled after the 2.00pm Polish Mass, at St Conleth’s Parish Church, Kildare, to make its way down to St Eustace’s Dominican Grounds for Solemn open-air Benediction.
Nothing deterred the enthusiastic participation of the congregation. Under an exquisitely embroidered antique canopy provided by the Dominican community for the special occasion, the Blessed Sacrament was reverently carried by Fr Eugen Dragos Tamas CC accompanied by Fr Paul Lawlor OP, Fr Michael Cudzillo CC, Fr Thomas McCarthy OP, and Fr Mark Zygadlo.
Also in attendance were Fr TC Anthony O’Carmelite and Fr Praveen Lawrence O’Carmelite of the Carmelite Friary in Kildare town. They held their Corpus Christi procession after celebrating 10am Mass in the White Abbey.
As the procession drew close to the Dominican Gates, they were greeted and welcomed by Fr John Harris OP, Prior, aided by Fr Philip Mulryne and Fr Eoin Casey who received the living Jesus and continued the procession to a specially erected outdoor altar where Fr Ned Murphy OP, and other members of the congregation waited for Solemn Benediction.
Rain
It poured from the Heavens but nobody paid any attention. All eyes were on Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, all hymns were sung alternatively in Polish and English and all gladly and reverently took part singing, in unison, the Latin Benediction rite hymns until the Blessed Sacrament was processed into the Church and reposed.
There is no doubt the whole congregation was uplifted and extremely grateful for the determination of priests and laity to press ahead and adore Jesus, come what may.
The event took on a truly Catholic or universal dimension with the participation of the Filipino, African and Polish communities coming out in great numbers. It has a universal aspect because it is celebrated in every corner of the world in similar fashion.
Jesus is brought into our streets, exposed in the Blessed Sacrament, not just for Catholics but for everyone.
This was quite apparent as people drove by in their cars and took the opportunity to take pictures of the procession and sign themselves with the sign of the Cross, while some onlookers joined in at various stages of the procession.