LA archbishop to lead 6-mile procession as part of National Eucharistic Revival

A eucharistic procession aims to renew old Catholics' adoration of God and Jesus Christ. Image: Jacob Bentzinger|Unsplash

As part of the National Eucharistic Revival, Archbp. José Gomez of the Archdiocese of Long Angeles is set to lead a six-mile procession on Saturday, March 25, to rekindle Catholics' adoration for the Eucharist.

The Catholic National Agency reported that the procession would start from Mission San Gabriel at 9:30 a.m.

March 25 Processions

As the procession will begin from the historic mission church, the archdiocese stated that the route would go through downtown Los Angeles to St. Luke the Evangelist Church before concluding at the mission for the Benediction.

According to CNA, over a hundred eucharistic processions across the country began in June, kicking off the Year of Diocesan Renewal, of which the Los Angeles procession is a part.

Each diocese in the United States is encouraged to host events during this revival period to increase interest in and appreciation for the Eucharist. 

One impetus for the renewal was a 2019 Pew Research report that found only around a third of American Catholics agree with the Church's doctrine that the Eucharist is genuinely the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

Per the report, on June 8, the solemnity of Corpus Christi, the next Year of Parish Renewal will begin. 

The bishops have stated that they hope to aid parishes in fostering a better love for Communion by encouraging "grassroots creativity" and accepting varied eucharistic traditions.

Eucharistic Procession Serves As Public Witness of Adoration 

A eucharistic procession is a public demonstration of reverence for the most holy Communion carried out in public. 

Much like a pilgrimage, a eucharistic procession begins and ends at sacred sites. While Catholics make this pilgrimage on earth, they are reminded of the spiritual pilgrimage they will make to eternity.

According to Faith Magazine, Corpus Christi, usually observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, is when Eucharistic processions first gained widespread popularity within the Church. Eucharistic processions draw on the rich cultural traditions of several different countries.

Catholics can honor Christ in the Eucharist and bear witness to God's closeness to the world and each individual by processing the Holy Communion with reverence, prayer, and joy.

About Archdiocese of Los Angeles

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles in Southern California has 288 parishes, with 30 missions and chapels and 16 Eastern Rite Catholic churches. 

According to the website, the archdiocese serves more than 4 million Catholics in 120 cities and celebrates Mass in 42 languages. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles acknowledges its responsibility to carry on Christ's mission of salvation.

It carries on Christ's work as priests, prophets, and kings in service to God. It also commits to spreading the gospel to the underprivileged and establishing a society based on shared values of faith and love. Moreover, it promises to do everything in its power to end the social, economic, and spiritual poverty within its community.

The archdiocese is committed to its purpose through its parish communities, schools, institutions, ministries, and other organizations and commits itself to removing the barriers that divide. 

More from Crossmap: Fuller Theological Seminary announces launching of MA in Chaplaincy program to provide holistic training

More Local News