Hundreds of parishioners from Powell St. Joan of Arc and Columbus St. Peter churches came together on Sunday, Aug. 27 for a 2.5-mile Eucharistic procession that began with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and concluded with Benediction.
Similar processions have taken place across the diocese, including one in June at St. Peter in northwest Columbus, as part of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival, which was initiated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2021 to restore belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
The joint effort between the two parishes began with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Joan of Arc before the monstrance was carried down Smoky Row Road under a canopy while accompanied by torch bearers from the Knights of Columbus, whose members also passed out water along the route.
Priests from the parishes alternated holding the monstrance, and diocesan seminarians as well as altar servers assisted by carrying candles, a crucifix and a thurible that contained incense.
Hispanic ministry members decorated a trailer that traveled in front of the procession with a sound system and music ministers. In addition, the Hispanic group was responsible for security and safety along with Columbus police.
During the procession, the rosary, other litanies and songs were prayed and sung in English and Spanish.
The two-hour procession concluded with Benediction at St. Peter Church and social time afterward that was coordinated by the St. Joan of Arc Church bereavement ministry and the St. Peter parish life group.
“Your public witness to the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist will long serve as a testimony to the faith of our Catholic community in northwest Columbus,” said Father David Schalk, the parishes’ pastor.
“Our pilgrimage has not ended. It has only just begun!”
