Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Corpus Christi Procession

Members of the Liguori Society sponsored the procession for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi at the Church of Saint Philip the Apostle on 25 May.
The thurifers are vested in festive red and lead the procession from the church.
We pause to give honor to our Eucharistic Lord using incense to symbolize our praise and adoration.
The Umbraculum—Italian: Ombrellino (from Latin umbra 'shade' for a sun-umbrella) — is a symbol of the Roman Catholic Church and the authority of the Lord vested in it, particularly in the person of the Supreme Pontiff, Saint Peter and his successors in the papacy.
The name of the "monstrance", the gold sunburst-shaped vessel used to carry the host in procession, comes from the Latin word for "to show". The Blessed Sacrament is placed inside a glass window so that the faithful can see the Lord and adore Him.
The faithful following their Lord in procession chant the Litany of the Sacred Heart in traditional Gregorian style.
We pause at the Marian shrine for Benediction, the blessing of the faithful by the Lord truly present Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
"O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine!
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, we adore Thee! Amen! Alleluia!"
Thanks to Ben Rose for photos and Clare Rose for technical support.