Corpus Christi Procession planned in Lewiston

In celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 2, parishioners and clergy from Prince of Peace Parish in Lewiston will hold a eucharistic procession down one of the major streets in city.

The procession will begin at Holy Family Church, located at 607 Sabattus Street, at 12:30 p.m., continue down Sabattus Street for about a mile, and conclude at the Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, located at 122 Ash Street.

The Feast of Corpus Christi, also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, celebrates the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. The feast dates to the 13th century and for the past 600 years, it has been celebrated with processions, during which the Blessed Sacrament is carried in a monstrance through community streets.

“Processing with Jesus is such an honor! If you heard that Jesus returned and was walking down the street, where would you be?  Wouldn’t you want to run out to see him? To be with him?  To talk to him, and bring him to everyone you know?  Jesus hasn’t returned; He never left us!  Processing with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is no different than walking down the street by his side. I believe that processing with Jesus is a great way to witness his love for each and every one of us,” said Doris Belanger, co-chair of the eucharistic adoration program at the Rivier Chapel in Lewiston. “I believe great graces will be bestowed, not only to those who process with Jesus, but everyone He passes along the way.,”

Belanger estimates the procession will arrive at the basilica around 2 p.m. when a prayer service will be held. Father Daniel Greenleaf, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish, will offer a blessing for the cities of Lewiston, Lisbon Falls, and Sabattus, the communities served by the parish.

At the conclusion, there will be light refreshments, and a bus will be available to shuttle participants back to Holy Family Church.

Portland Eucharistic Procession

Other parishes in Maine are also planning eucharistic processions, including the Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes. There, a procession will begin following the 10 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, located at 307 Congress Street, continue to St. Peter Church, located at 72 Federal Street, then to St. Louis Church on 279 Danforth Street, before concluding at Sacred Heart Church on 65 Mellen Street at approximately 2:30 p.m.

For more on the Feast of Corpus Christi and other events in the diocese, please visit www.portlanddiocese.org/feast-corpus-christi.