Corpus Christi in St. Catharines
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi took place in St. Catherine’s with its usual grandeur. After having celebrated the Feast itself in their respective chapels, the faithful from Toronto, New Hamburg and Orillia joined those of St. Catharines on the following Sunday to give to the Most Blessed Sacrament Its due honour.
Among the faithful from New Hamburg were the boarding boys of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy. Although they arrived about 30 minutes before the start of Mass, they had trouble finding places in the already packed church – most of the boys were obliged to attend the Mass in the church vestibule or basement.
The Solemn High Mass celebrated by Father Potvin, assisted by deacon Fr. Sherry and subdeacon Fr. Herkel, was a treat to the faithful and the external beauty kindled their internal devotion. The servers were provided by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy whereas the schola was a joint effort of St. Catharines, Toronto and New Hamburg.
The Mass finished, faithful followed the Blessed Sacrament in a 1.5 km procession through the streets of St. Catharines. The Decades of the Rosary and hymns of praise were met with mixed reactions, but the procession took no heed – its goal was the Bread of Angels, Which was carried to a midpoint benediction, and finally back to the church for a second benediction.
An excellent meal was provided for the hundreds of hungry faithful after Mass in the gymnasium. Thanks to the men and women of the Holy Face of Jesus Church, the food was wonderfully refreshing and there was plenty of it. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this day of adoration a success, and may Our Lord be praised and blessed in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar.
