“ONE BREAD, ONE BODY” (1 COR 10:17) A day of prayer and reflection culminated in a solemn procession

BY SUSANNE JANSSEN

The feast of Corpus Christi is all about Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist and our relationship with him. Hundreds of participants of our diocese came together for a day of prayer and reflection, ending with a procession in downtown Corpus Christi. Despite the scorching heat, many families, parish groups, individuals and volunteers showed up to bring Jesus into the streets. And for the first time, people who could not be there in person were able to follow a professional live broadcast with guests, interviews and video clips.

The day started with a solemn Mass at noon with Bishop Michael Mulvey in the

Cathedral. He asked the participants, “Who is Jesus Christ in your life? Only you can answer this question.”

The Eucharist is a gift of God to us, “as the Fathers of the Church said, ‘He became what we are (human) so that we can become what he is.’” The bishop invited all to let Jesus be more a part of their daily life: “Let him become your friend; that’s what He is.”

Only in relationships can we grow, not on our own.

The afternoon continued with confessions, an exhibition about Eucharistic miracles in St. Joseph’s Hall, and reflections by the Bishop, Father Peter Marsalek, SOLT and the Rector of the Cathedral, Father Pete Elizardo.

Bishop Mulvey invited the faithful to exchange our hearts for God’s heart, “that’s the dynamic of the Eucharist.” The goal is not an easier life on earth but to strive for holiness: “Each time we receive the Eucharist, we remember that we are on a journey to see God face to face.”

After joining in vespers, the Church’s evening prayer, the procession started with stops at the Mother Teresa Shelter, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Nueces County jail, accompanied by prayers as well as hymns sung in different languages including Malayalam (from India) and Spanish. The day ended with a solemn blessing on the steps of the Cathedral, followed by Benediction inside the Cathedral.