TRAVELING MONSTRANCE

Traveling Monstrance unites parishes, spearheads feast day

By Rebecca Esparza

Correspondent

For the past 66 years, Richard Quijas has been a faithful parishioner at Our Lady Star of the Sea on North Beach. During a recent Holy Hour Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at his church in May, he became emotional.

It was not the typical adoration hour; the parish was hosting the arrival of a Traveling Monstrance that had already visited numerous parishes across the Diocese of Corpus Christi in preparation for the Feast of Corpus Christi celebration.

“Today was a special day for our church, and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything,” Quijas said, with tears building up in his eyes. “I felt our Lord’s presence, and I honestly believe we all received special blessings for attending. I was here not only for myself, but representing members of my family who could not be here, as well.”

Father Roy Kalayil, the pastor at Our Lady Star of the Sea, said the significance of the Traveling Monstrance serves as a reminder that we are one community, under one diocese and one bishop. “This is why the Monstrance is visiting multiple parishes in our diocese during the five months leading up to the Feast of Corpus Christi,” he explained. “It reminds us that we are not alone, we support each other, and we need to pray together to bring more meaning to the Holy Eucharist.”

The unique monstrance previously belonged to Most Rev. Francis X. Krautbauer, the second bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

A few days after North Beach, the Traveling Monstrance visited Holy Family on the city’s Westside. Father Jose Salazar said having a significant religious object pulls together communities, reminds us of our connectivity, and helps us remember those no longer with us.

“We have exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every week, but it’s normally held in our small chapel, so it was a joy to have it in the larger church where more people could gather in reverence,” Father Salazar said.

Father Salazar added that activities like the Traveling Monstrance are one of the most effective ways to pull the Diocese of Corpus Christi together to prepare for the Eucharistic Congress next year.

“I think this has given us a deeper sense of unity and communion with one another. We are all so busy, so taking time to pause for a moment brings us closer to the reality and mystery of Christ’s presence. We are all running in a million directions, but when we stop, we are one in Christ,” he added.

Yvonne Solis Recio, a born and raised parishioner at Holy Family, said she appreciated the opportunity to attend Holy Hour during the Traveling Monstrance’s visit to her parish.

“It was a wonderful evening spent in silence, prayer and joyful celebration. This was an additional opportunity to pray for an increase in all vocations. I think we all understand how timely and necessary that is,” she said. “We are so thankful we were able to host a Holy Hour spent in the presence of Jesus.”

Omar J. Pena, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #5348 at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Church in Premont, said he and other parishioners were honored to have hosted the Traveling Monstrance at their smaller, rural parish.

“This was such an honor to be part of something much larger than just our parish. In reality, this was much larger than even the Diocese of Corpus Christi. So, the Feast of Corpus Christi is special to the Church as a whole. And for those who were not able to attend the Feast of Corpus Christi festivities, having so many parishes across the diocese where the monstrance visited helped us all feel connected,” Pena added. To view all the parishes the Traveling Monstrance visited go to feastofcc.org.

Father Roy Kalayil, the pastor at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, places the Eucharist inside the Traveling Monstrance for Holy Hour and Adoration.

Jaime Reyna opened the event with a welcome to individuals at the international Feast of Corpus Christi celebration and recognized churches in countries who celebrated the same day, such as Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Germany, Haiti, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Venezuela. In his welcoming address, Reyna also introduced the agenda and different speakers for the day.

“I truly believe that we need to continue to lead people to our Lord for he is the answer to all our problems. We are lost when we lose sight of our Lord in the Eucharist. The Eucharistic Miracles from around the world is a great reminder of God’s love for us and that he is still with us, the ‘Incarnate Word.’”

~ Jaime Reyna

In spite of torrential rains, plans continue for the Feast of Corpus Christi

By Elizabeth Morales

South Texas Catholic

As the week of June 3 approached, the diocesan celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi coincided with a potentially crucial schedule change due to inclement weather. Thunderstorms threatened to cancel the Eucharistic Procession, which guaranteed the attendance of many parishes, ministry groups, and individuals who had planned to participate.

Jaime Reyna, Coordinator of the Feast of Corpus Christi and his team, applied for a city permit in advance to process throughout the streets of downtown Corpus Christi and submitted a map route. With the city’s approval, the roads were ready for the procession with stops at the County Jail and Mother Teresa Shelter.

Efforts to coordinate a bus and golf carts for those who could not walk were also made, and a sound team was provided to ensure participants would hear singing, praying, and announcements during the procession amidst the rush hour traffic. Additionally, the police department would provide a safe passage for participants, as the streets would not be closed, but the procession would be protected in one lane.

Organizing and promoting the procession with weather that could easily have changed from rain in the morning to sunny skies in the afternoon required much time and preparation. The decision to cancel the outside procession altogether was not made easily.

Clergy, coordinators, and volunteers remained flexible and patient to see how the weather would turn out once the specific evening time frame for the procession arrived.

The day began with clear blue skies, and there was a chance it would remain that way, but by late afternoon torrential rain hit the area around the time the procession was supposed to begin. Alas, after the final 5 p.m. Holy Hour, the decision was made to hold the Eucharistic Procession inside Corpus Christi Cathedral with Vespers, a reflection from Bishop Mulvey and close with Benediction.

Although the procession was originally arranged to be outdoors, the impact of the indoor Eucharistic Procession was still powerful to many participants. “Seeing the people’s reaction was just as powerful because people were able to witness an inside procession [they] had not seen before,” Reyna said.

With hundreds of people in attendance, Reyna believes the witness of faith that was intended to happen outside still occurred and even allowed for a more close-up encounter with the Lord. “It was just as beautiful having it inside, seeing our Lord in a procession where we knelt as He passed us by,” Reyna said.

Reyna said he is looking forward to better weather for next year’s outdoor Eucharistic Procession.

This statue of Captain Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda stands on a grassy area between Agnes and Laredo streets in Corpus Christi.

Mayor delivers the City Proclamation

Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo, who is also a parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, presents Bishop Michael Mulvey with the city proclamation for the feast day. Bishop Mulvey accepts the proclamation and thanked Mayor Guajardo for her presence and for personally delivering the City’s Proclamation: naming June 3, 2021, as “Feast of Corpus Christi Day.”

The Proclamation reads:

“Today, on behalf of the city of Corpus Christi, I’m very proud to be here before you in the Catholic Church to read a proclamation for the event and for what today stands for,” Mayor Guajardo said. Reading the city proclamation she said,

“Whereas, the Roman Catholic Church and the Diocese of Corpus Christi celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi held annually every June to honor the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament; and

“Whereas, in 1519, the explorer Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda discovered a lush semi-tropical bay on what is now the southern coast of Texas. This lush semi-tropical bay was discovered on the Roman Catholic feast day of Corpus Christi; and

“Whereas, this area, as well as the Diocese of Corpus Christi, was named for the Feast of Corpus Christi.

“Now, therefore, pursuant to the powers vested in me as Mayor of the city of Corpus Christi, I do hereby proclaim, June 3, 2021, Feast of Corpus Christi Day in Corpus Christi, Texas, and I encourage all citizens to join me in celebrating the naming of our city and the great celebration of the Roman Catholic Church.

Holy Hour

Holy Hours were held every hour before the procession at this year’s Feast of Corpus Christi.

Retired priests from parishes throughout the diocese give reflections on the Word during each Holy Hour. Pictured below, from left, are Msgr. Mark Chamberlin, Father José Salazar, Father Matthew Stephan, Msgr. Seamus McGowan and Msgr. Marcos Martinez.

Above each photo is a short excerpt from their homilies.

Sacerdotes jubilados de diferentes parroquias de la diocese dar reflexiones sobre la Palabra. En las fotos de abajo, de izquierda a derecha Msgr. Mark Chamberlin, Father José Salazar, Father Matthew Stephan, Msgr. Seamus McGowan and Msgr. Marcos Martinez.

The Word, La Pala bra

The Word of God is Alive

“Jesus is the image of the invisible God. To see what God is like, know what God is about, and know how God wants us to live and act, we look to Jesus – the Word of God – living. “The Eucharist is the center of our spiritual life. The Eucharist is our opportunity to grow. The Eucharist is what helps us become what we need to become.

La Palabra de Dios está viva

“Jesús es la imagen del Dios invisible. Para ver cómo es Dios, saber de qué se trata Dios y saber cómo Dios quiere que vivamos y actuemos, miramos a Jesús, la Palabra de Dios, vivo. “La Eucaristía es el centro de nuestra vida espiritual. La Eucaristía es nuestra oportunidad para crecer. La Eucaristía es lo que nos ayuda a convertirnos en lo que necesitamos ser”. ~ Msgr. Mark Chamberlin

The Word Leads to Advocacy

“In his great mercy and goodness, the Lord continues to reach for us all our lives... especially in the Eucharist, where he gives us the very sustenance for growing and our desire to do what is good, right and true. “He affords us the ability to stand and become his advocate for what is real, for what is love, for what is good. God calls us to that.

La palabra conduce a la defensa

“En su gran misericordia y bondad, el Señor continúa alcanzándonos a lo largo de nuestra vida, especialmente en la Eucaristía, donde nos da el sustento mismo para crecer y nos anima el deseo de hacer lo bueno, lo correcto y lo verdadero. “Él nos brinda la capacidad de defendernos y convertirnos en sus defensores de lo que es real, de lo que es amor, de lo que es bueno. Dios nos llama a ello.” ~ Father Jose Salazar

La Pala bra

The Word was God

“On the day of the Resurrection, Two of Jesus’ disciples were walking away from Jerusalem. They were downcast. A strange man appears and walking with them, begins to speak. His words pierce their hearts. “They hear his words, but they still did not recognize the Lord. Before eating with them, he took the bread, broke it, blessed it, and suddenly they recognized Him. He left us His Word. He left himself in the Eucharist.

El Verbo era Dios

“En el día de la Resurrección, dos de los discípulos de Jesús se alejaban de Jerusalén. Estaban abatidos. Aparece un hombre extraño y, caminando con ellos, comienza a hablar. Sus palabras traspasan sus corazones. “Escuchan sus palabras, pero aún no reconocen al Señor. Antes de comer con ellos, tomó el pan, lo partió, lo bendijo y de repente lo reconocieron. Nos dejó Su Palabra. Se dejó a sí mismo en la Eucaristía”. ~ Father Matthew Stephan

The Word is Useful for Teaching

“There comes a time in our lives when we think we can’t go any further. My dear friends, you are going to fall, but the important thing is to get up. That’s why Jesus fell many times to teach you and I that we always get up. “The ‘Way of the Cross’ reminds us of that. That he’s a God of mercy, a God of love. To know Him, to love Him and serve Him is the purpose of our existence.”

La palabra es útil para enseñar

“Llega un momento en nuestras vidas en el que pensamos que no podemos ir más lejos. Mis queridos amigos, ustedes se van a caer, yo me voy a caer, pero lo importante es levantarse. Por eso Jesús se cayó muchas veces para enseñarnos a ti y a mí que siempre nos levantamos. “El ‘Vía Crucis’ nos recuerda eso. Que él es un Dios de misericordia, un Dios de amor. Conocerlo, amarlo y servirlo es el propósito de nuestra existencia”. ~ Msgr. Seamus McGowan

The Word Makes us Wise

“By listening to His Word, we can enter into the intimacy of the heart of Jesus and from there take strength and courage so that he gives us the intelligence and love to do good in the midst of so much need – strength to evangelize and transmit the Faith that we have.” “Today we have the great opportunity to be here with Jesus. Let us really be with Him.”

La palabra nos hace sabios

“Escuchando su Palabra, podemos entrar en la intimidad del corazón de Jesús y de allí tomar fuerza y coraje para que nos dé la inteligencia y el amor para hacer el bien en medio de tanta necesidad - fuerza para evangelizar y transmitir la Fe que tenemos ”. “Hoy tenemos la gran oportunidad de estar aquí con Jesús. Estemos realmente con Él “. ~ Msgr. Marcos Martinez

Twelve biblical reasons

for wanting to spend an hour in adoration

Catholic News Agency

1. He is really there!

“I myself am the living bread come down from heaven.” (Jn 6:35)

2. Day and night Jesus dwells in the Blessed Sacrament because of his Infinite love for you!

“Behold I will be with you always even to the end of the world,” because “I have loved you with an everlasting love, and constant is my affection for you.” (Mt 28:20; Jer 31:3)

3. The specific way that Jesus asks you to love him in return is to spend one quiet hour with him in the Blessed Sacrament.

“Where your treasure is, there is your heart....” “Could you not watch one hour with me?” (Mt 6:21; 26:40)

4. When you look upon the Sacred Host, you look upon Jesus, the Son of God.

“Indeed, this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks upon the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life. Him I will raise up on the last day.” (Jn 6:40)

5. Each moment that you spend in His Eucharistic Presence will increase his divine life within you and deepen your personal relationship and friendship with him.

“I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly.” “I am the vine and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him shall bear much fruit because without me, you can do nothing.” (Jn 15:5)

6. Each hour you spend with Jesus will deepen his divine peace in your heart.

“Come to me all of you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will refresh you...” “Cast all of you anxieties upon the one who cares for you...” “My Peace is My Gift to you.” (Mt 11:28; Pt 5:7; Jn 14:17)

7. Jesus will give you all the graces you need to be happy!

“The Lamb on the throne will shepherd them. He will lead them to the springs of life-giving water.” (Rev 7:17)

8. Jesus is infinitely deserving of our unceasing thanksgiving and adoration for all he has done for our salvation.

MARY COTTINGHAM | STC

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive honor, glory and praise.” (Rev. 5:12)

9. For peace in our country!

“When my people humble themselves and seek my presence... I will revive their land.” (2Chr 7:14)

10. Each hour you spend with Jesus on earth will leave your soul everlastingly more beautiful and glorious in heaven!

“They who humble themselves shall be exalted....” “All of us, gazing on the Lord’s glory with unveiled faces, are being transformed from glory to glory into his very image.” (Lk 18:14; 2Cor 3:18)

11. Jesus will bless you, your family and the whole world for this hour of faith you spend with Him in the Blessed Sacrament.

“Blessed are they who do not see and yet believe...” “Faith can move mountains...” “ What is needed is trust... “ “Behold I come to make all things new.” (Jn 20:29; Mk 11:23; Mk 5:36; Rev 21:5)

12. Each moment you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament brings joy, pleasure, and delight to his Sacred Heart!

“My joy, my pleasure, my delight is to be with you.” (Prov 8:31)

The Feast of Corpus Christi, through the Years

By Julie Stark

South Texas Catholic

“And we, though many, throughout the earth,we are one body in this one Lord,” ~ John Michael TalbotThis is a love story seen through the lens of a camera – the love story of a people united by the Eucharist. These photographs tell a story of a faithful people coming together to adore and celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi (Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ). They come with their joys and their difficulties, their victories, and failures. Why do they gather? What brings them by the hundreds? Each photo depicts love expressed, love of the Lord in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. They come to gather as a family united by this love of God. These faithful people of the Diocese of Corpus Christi understand that this love story was set into motion by God and that “we love because He first loved us” (Jn 4:19).

The pictures show the people of God in processions and adoration from the early 1900s through the present time. They also remind us of a time when only a few could gather in person because of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020). But love transcends pandemics, and it did not deter the faithful from celebrating in their homes with their families via live streaming. These snapshots show the love story that cannot be put into words eloquently enough, for it can only be seen in their eyes and postures. The focus—always on the Eucharist. The hands in silent prayer. They follow the Lord shrouded in a simple wafer in the procession, but this wafer surpasses what the eye can see. This love story is repeated and seen throughout the world, and only a quick Google of the words Feast of Corpus Christi will show the family of God gathered in the same manner as these depictions show. These photos give us knowledge that the love of the Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is real and is shared by the faithful worldwide. See more photos at southtexascatholic.com/feastofcc.

La Fiesta de Corpus Christi, a través de los años

Por Julie Stark

South Texas Catholic

Esta es una historia de amor vista a través del lente de una cámara: la historia de amor de un pueblo unido por la Eucaristía. Estas fotografías cuentan la historia de un pueblo fiel que se unió para adorar y celebrar la Fiesta del Corpus Christi (Solemnidad del Cuerpo y la Sangre de Jesucristo).

Ellos y ellas vienen con sus alegrías y dificultades, sus victorias y fracasos. ¿Por qué se reúnen? ¿Qué es lo que atrae a cientos de personas? Cada foto muestra la expresión de su amor al Señor, a la presencia real de Jesús en la Eucaristía. Vienen a reunirse como una gran familia, unida por su amor a Dios. Esta gente fiel de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi comprende que esta historia de amor fue puesta en marcha por Dios y que “amamos porque Él nos amó primero” (Jn 4:19).

Las imágenes muestran al pueblo de Dios en procesiones y adoración desde principios del siglo XX hasta la actualidad. También hablan de un momento en el que nadie pudo reunirse en persona debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 (2020). Pero el amor trasciende las pandemias y no impidió a los fieles celebrar desde sus hogares, con sus familias a través de transmisiones en vivo.

Estas instantáneas muestran la historia de amor que no se puede expresar con palabras lo suficientemente elocuentes, ya que solo se puede ver en sus ojos y en sus posturas. El enfoque, siempre en la Eucaristía. Las manos en oración silenciosa. Siguen al Señor envuelto en una simple hostia que camina en la procesión, pero esta hostia supera lo que el ojo puede ver.

Esta historia de amor se repite y se ve en todo el mundo, y solo una rápida búsqueda en Google, de las palabras Fiesta de Corpus Christi mostrará a la familia de Dios reunida de la misma manera que muestran estas representaciones. Estas fotos nos dan a conocer que el amor de la Presencia de Jesús en la Eucaristía es real y es compartida por los fieles de todo el mundo.

Ver más fotos en southtexascatholic.com/feastofcc.

Corpus Christi, celebración que honra al ‘alma de la Iglesia, La Eucaristía’

Por Gloria Romero

Corresponsal

La Diócesis de Corpus Christi se unió a los católicos del mundo entero, para celebrar el misterio central de la Fe Cristiana; la presencia real de Jesús en el Pan y en el Vino, en el Sacramento de la Eucaristía. La presencia de Cristo Sacramentado fue conmemorada el jueves 3 de junio, en que la Catedral de Corpus Christi se vistió de fiesta para celebrar el día de su nombre, de su diócesis y de su ciudad: Corpus Christi, Cuerpo de Cristo, en si mismo el milagro de la Eucaristía.

Las puertas de la Catedral empezaron a recibir feligreses desde antes de las 11 de la mañana. Llegaba gente de todas partes, y de diferentes orígenes étnicos. Provenía, de parroquias y ciudades circunvecinas que son las que conforman la diócesis de Corpus Christi.

Dedicar un día del año para hacer una gran fiesta fue la misión de Jaime Reyna, Director de la Oficina del Ministerio Multicultural, quien por indicaciones del Obispo planeo anticipadamente y con todo detalle el ámbito de intimidad para pasar el día con Nuestro Señor.

Al dar la Bienvenida Reyna, explicó la secuencia

en que ocurrirían los hechos. Primero se estableció la importancia del día con una Proclamación que la alcaldesa de la ciudad; Paulette Guajardo, presentó al Obispo Michael Mulvey, nombrando el 3 de junio de 2021 como el “Día de la Fiesta de Corpus Christi”. Un momento para la historia. A ello le siguió la solemne Misa concelebrada por varios sacerdotes y presidida por el Obispo Mulvey, quien en su homilía, fue acercando a la gente a un entendimiento del verdadero significado del misterio sacramental y dijo: “Entender la Eucaristía, es comprender la inmensidad del amor de Dios”, como dijo San Juan; ‘El amó a los suyos y los amó hasta el final.’”

“Estos son tiempos importantes y emocionantes para mί. Y la fiesta de Corpus Christi, la realidad del Cuerpo y Sangre de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, que viene sobre este altar todos los días; es nuestro alimento, nuestra alma, nuestro camino a seguir”.

~ Obispo Michael Mulvey

Una alegría especial se respiraba en el aire. Sonrisas y saludos por doquiera.

Se va quedando atrás el aislamiento por la pandemia y una cálida sensación de retornar a la gran familia, la familia de la Iglesia parecía sentirse en el ambiente.

“La Fiesta de Corpus Christi nos une a todos” dijo Celia Mendez a cargo de la oficina del Ministerio y Enriquecimiento de vida para personas con deseabilidades, cuyos miembros participaron interpretando la Palabra.

En la Unidad del Cuerpo de Cristo, cada parte de la Iglesia diocesana fue incorporada, así se incluyo el español y el lenguaje de señas (ASL)para sordomudos de manera que la Palabra siempre fuera comunicada.

“Todas nuestras oficinas diocesanas, escuelas católicas y parroquias de la Diócesis hacen que esta celebración sea una realidad”. “La Fiesta de Corpus Christi es el momento más apropiado para renovar nuestra fe en Dios y saber verdaderamente quienes somos, el Cuerpo de Cristo”. Dijo Jaime Reyna, coordinador del evento.

El Santísimo permaneció expuesto hasta las 6 de la tarde y durante esas cinco horas, se vivió una especie de retiro espiritual donde el tiempo parecía desaparecer de la conciencia de los feligreses. Cada hora fue acompañada de una corta lectura bíblica, que era tema de reflexión para el Sacerdote que presidia la Hora Santa, siempre acompañados por un coro diferente. Las lecturas las hicieron varios seminaristas y las reflexiones estuvieron a cargo de cinco sacerdotes retirados, quienes a través de recuerdos y meditaciones personales condujeron esas Horas Santas al encuentro intimo y profundo con El Maestro, Jesús.

“A veces las palabras del predicador nos tocan y deseamos encontrar en ellas el hilo que nos transforme. La Palabra la oración y sobre todo el alimento de Su Cuerpo y de Su Sangre, nos llaman humildemente al entendimiento del amor de Dios que nos transforma, no nada más para este momento, en este mundo sino para la eternidad” dijo el Padre José Salazar.

Del cielo calan cantaros de lluvia, razón por la cual, la procesión Eucarística tradicional se llevo a cabo en el interior de la Catedral. Así fue, como entre fanfarreas y cantos litúrgicos tradicionales, Sostenido por el Obispo Mulvey, Resguardado en una Custodia y acompañado por un cortejo de monaguillos, seminaristas, sacerdotes y diáconos, se sintió la presencia de Cristo entre los pasillos de la Catedral. Así entre Su pueblo. Los adjetivos no alcanzan para describir lo sagrado y emotivo del momento.

La ceremonia concluyo cuando el Obispo reverentemente impartió la Bendición con Jesús Sacramentado.

“Al final, como al final de la Solemne Liturgia Eucarística, solo el Amor permanecerá.” “Aún ahora, nuestras celebraciones Eucarísticas siguen transformando al mundo en la medida en que nosotros mismos, permitamos ser transformados, al convertirnos en el pan roto para otros” Dijo el Papa Francisco durante la Fiesta de Corpus Christi.

Celebration honors the soul of the Church, the Eucharist

By Gloria Romero

Contributor

The Diocese of Corpus Christi joined Catholics throughout the world in celebration of the central mystery of the Christian faith, the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The International Feast of Corpus Christi was celebrated on June 3.

The event brought together hundreds of Catholics throughout the diocese. Extraordinarily, it was also a celebration of the name of our diocese, city, and cathedral. It was a day spent with our Lord in Corpus Christi Cathedral, which included adoration, holy hours, Mass, an indoor procession, vespers and benediction and a Eucharistic Miracles exhibit in St. Joseph Hall.

Dedicating one day of the year to “throwing a big celebration” was the mission of Jaime Reyna, Director for the Office of Multicultural Ministry and coordinator of the event. At the behest of Bishop Michael Mulvey, Reyna planned every detail of the day in collaboration with many ministries and volunteers to bring about an atmosphere of intimacy with Christ among His people. They were people from all over and of different ethnic origins, but mainly from the surrounding parishes and cities that make up the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

The doors of the cathedral began to receive parishioners before 11 a.m. As people began to trickle in, Reyna welcomed attendees and described the upcoming events of the day.

Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo first established the day’s importance with a city proclamation presented to Bishop Michael Mulvey, naming June 3, 2021, as “Feast of Corpus Christi Day.”

Following the proclamation, Bishop Mulvey presided over Mass, concelebrating with priests throughout the diocese. His homily gave people a deeper understanding of the meaning of the sacramental mystery. “To understand the Eucharist is to understand the immensity of God’s love, as St. John said; ‘Having loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end’” (Jn 13:1).

“We are human beings who share the soul that God has given us in Jesus Christ,” Bishop Mulvey said. His words came to life among the faithful.

The day’s celebration included many parts of one body, as some people dressed in traditional clothing celebrating their national or cultural identity.

With intention, the day included bilingual and Spanish-speaking priests and seminarians who gave readings and homilies in Spanish. The event also included Catholic Charities Ministry and Life Enrichment for Persons with Disabilities as American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters Maricela “Mari” Rivera and David Gaitan interpreted for the Deaf during the noon Mass. Terry Espinoza interpreted during the evening. Through them, the Word was communicated.

The Eucharist remained exposed until 6 p.m. and every hour leading up to the procession were times of spiritual reflection, centered on five biblical readings. Retired priests presided over each holy hour. They gave a homily and shared stories of faith to lead the faithful to an intimate and profound encounter with Jesus before adoration. Each Holy Hour was always accompanied by live musician(s), and seminarians recited different readings from the Bible prepared ahead of time for reflection.

The traditional outdoor Eucharistic procession took place inside the cathedral as sheets of rain poured down from the sky. Accompanied by altar servers, seminarians, deacons and priests, Bishop Mulvey processed down the cathedral’s corridors as he reverently held up the monstrance that housed the Eucharist.

“We live in an important and exciting time; Jesus gave us his body and blood so that our life as a Catholic community, as disciples of Jesus Christ, is a testimony for those who have lost their souls, who have given their souls to other ideologies,” Bishop Mulvey said. “The reality of the body and blood of Our Lord, which comes upon this altar every day, is our food, our soul and our way forward.”

MARY COTTINGHAM | STC

St. Joseph Hall featured four of the 130 approved Eucharistic Miracles of the World in this museum-like setting of banners available to attendees of the Feast of Corpus Christi throughout the day.

Eucharistic miracles driving faithfilled Catholics to share stories

By Rebecca Esparza

Correspondent

Sharon Longoria wishes the world would get excited about the Holy Eucharist, especially young people.

But sadly, a Pew Research Study from 2019 indicates the trend is leaning the opposite direction. In a frightening revelation for Catholics worldwide, the Pew Report found 69% of Catholics polled in the United States do not believe in transubstantiation, the belief that during Mass, the bread and wine used for Communion are the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Longoria is on a personal mission to change that statistic, at least for South Texans in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

“I’ve always believed in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It’s part of our Doctrine, and it’s what I grew up believing. But I also understand it as a profound mystery at the core of my faith,” she said. “There are some beautiful stories

Sharon Longoria, from left, Mary Crabtree and Kathleen Huffmeyer decorate the entrance of St. Joseph Hall where they organized a display showcasing four Eucharistic Miracles.

about Eucharistic Miracles that span over two thousand years in the making, and my goal is to share these stories with as many people as possible.”

During the 2021 Feast of Corpus Christi, this year, Longoria and fellow volunteers Kathleen Huffmeyer and Mary Crabtree organized a display in St. Joseph Hall at the Corpus Christi Cathedral showcasing four Eucharistic Miracles.

Choosing just four miracles from the over 130 approved Eucharistic Miracles from around the world was no easy task, noted Longoria. They chose the Angel of Peace from Fatima; the bleeding host from Lanciano, Italy; St Juliana Falconieri’s Eucharistic Miracle at her deathbed; and the Eucharistic Miracle at Santarem.

“I consider the chance to work on this project a gift from God. We need to do more to educate our young children about the Real Presence, and I

appreciate Bishop Mulvey for supporting our efforts to educate all Catholics about the Eucharistic Miracles,” she said. “Also, I appreciate Jaime Reyna from the Diocese’s Office of Social Ministry for allowing me to create this display.”

“I truly believe that we need to continue to lead people to our Lord for he is the answer to all our problems. We are lost when we lose sight of our Lord in the Eucharist,” Reyna said. “The Eucharistic Miracles from around the world is a great reminder of God’s love for us and that he is still with us in the Incarnate Word.”

Longoria and her husband, parishioners at St. Paul the Apostle in Flour Bluff, have seven children and 21 grandchildren. As she was gathering the posters for the Eucharistic Miracles exhibit, she assembled her grandchildren to listen as she explained each of the four miracles featured in full detail.

“They were mesmerized and couldn’t get enough,” Longoria said. “It made me take notice and realize we need to do a better job of educating our young children about these miracles, not only through religious education classes but at home,” she said.

Longoria suggests Catholic educators and even parents share the story of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who is poised to become the first millennial saint, as a way for young people to relate their faith to someone more like them. Blessed Carlo Acutis had a special devotion to God from an early age and is recognized for using his computer talents to evangelize his faith worldwide by creating a website showcasing all Eucharistic Miracles in multiple languages.

He died of leukemia one year later, offering his suffering for the pope and the Church.

“Carlo liked Pokemon, video games and soccer,” she added. “Relating to Carlo gives children the opportunity to understand we are all called to be saints, and we all have gifts and talents that should be used to build up God’s kingdom on earth.”

“The Eucharistic Miracles are a gift for us Catholics,” Longoria continued. “But we need to go a step beyond and continue sharing these stories. We need to enlighten our youth of what a great gift we have in these miracles. It’s about treasuring these gifts and passing them on from generation to generation for decades to come.”

Visit therealpresence.org to learn about the over 130 Eucharistic Miracles from around the world.

“Our lives must be woven around the Eucharist.”

~St. Mother Teresa