Sandwiched between anti-Trump “No Kings” protests and gay pride parades, Alaska’s Catholics held public processions in Anchorage, Eagle River, Mat-Su, Kenai Peninsula and elsewhere to publicly affirm their belief that Jesus Christ is present in the world, and the king of all the earth.
Over the weekend, thousands of parishioners followed priests as they held aloft the Eucharist, which Catholics affirm to be the Body of Christ. The processions included sacred incense, candles, decorative canopies and banners, which could be seen by passersby. The purpose was to mark the ancient Feast of Corpus Christi (Latin for “Body of Christ”), while also bringing Christ into the wider community.
Corpus Christi processions are an outward indication of the mission to bring the presence of Jesus to all places beyond the walls of the church, and into to the whole world.
Corpus Christi celebrations have been gaining popularity in recent years. While still not as common in the U.S. as they once were, the practice dates back to the 13th century when Pope Urban IV established the public feast day to emphasize that the Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus.
In recent years, Corpus Christi has gained traction in increasingly secularized Western nations that have abandoned belief in God. It stands as a contrast to the many cities which now dedicate the entire month of June to LGBTQ Pride marches.
While many Protestants disagree with the theology behind Corpus Christi, it stands as a reminder that faith has a prominent role in the public square, and Americans have a right – some would argue a duty – to boldly affirm their faith in God.
In Palmer, Mat-Su parishioners marched from St. Michael Church, through downtown, to a local park, singing and chanting sacred songs along a 1.5-mile stretch. At the park, parishioners walked past picnickers, before kneeling in prayer. They carried a banner that read, “I am the living bread, which came down from heaven. BEHOLD THE LIVING JESUS – truly the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.”
4 Comments
Alleluia!!! Thank you Watchman for placing this Lamp on a lampstand!
Amen!
My family was very happy to follow our pastor through the streets of downtown Anchorage, singing hymns and adoring Our Lord along the way. We’re also grateful to Father for blessing the city, which is in great need of grace and spiritual renewal!
I love that the new pope is more liberal. He’ll move the church forward.