Procession of the Blessed Sacrament

Date: 25 October 2005 10:30:55

On Sunday the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney had a Procession of the Blessed Sacrament to conclude the Year of the Eucharist. As well as the Monstrance there were relics of St Margaret Mary Alacoque, flown in from France especially!

Cardinal Pell wrote in one of the Sunday papers about Processions and Celebration.

I haven't seen any photos on the Diocese's website as yet, so until then you can look at my rather poor efforts with my mobile.

When I arrived at the starting point, the park was overflowing with clergy, monastic and laity from a variety of parishes and organisations/orders -- each with their own banner, and in the case of the Maronites, huge Lebanese and Australian flags and banners of St Charbel, St Rafqa and St Nemetallah, whose relics recently toured Sydney. The Koreans were in traditional dress which was a lovely sight. And various other nationalities, as well as various orders and organisations were in their dress. And, best of all: all ages were represented, teenagers and young adults especially. Walking around you could hear a multitude of languages: English, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Croatian, Spanish, Italian ... , and see all ages. A true reflection of those in Christ.

It is sometimes said our Catholic brothers and sisters have a reputation for not singing during services, and I have experienced this at certain parishes: but they all more than made up for it on this occasion. The streets of Sydney rang to the sounds of clergy, nuns, seminarians and the faithful singing hymns such as Sing my tongue the Saviour's glory and For all the Saints; reciting the Rosary; responding "Lord, have mercy" to the Litany of the Saints (including our own Blesseds Mary McKillop and Eileen O'Connor); Litany of the Sacred Heart; Ave Marias; and more. The Catholic Weekly had a special supplement with the services which was carried by many of the faithful (as well as having some very interesting articles on the Eucharist, previous processions in 1928 and 1953, and the preservation of the Blessed Sacrament in a layman's house in the 19th Century when public Catholic masses were forbidden in Sydney -- I first learned of this when I toured the Cathedral's lovely mosaic-floored crypt). As the Blessed Sacrament and relics went past, many people kneeled, bowed, crossed-themselves, or performed other acts of piety. It was quite a sight to see in downtown Sydney!

The Benediction service started once the procession reached St Mary's Cathedral -- and the cathedral was overflowing. All pews were taken and there was barely any standing room. A video screen was set up outside so those outside could watch and participate.

Clergy from all over the diocese and the choir from St Francis processed down the nave to the hymn Christ be our light and then the wondrous hymn Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence was sung. As with the procession, the Catholics were quite vocal in their singing, which was wonderful to hear. And the choir was absolutely wonderful, as they always are -- knowing two of the members doesn't make me biased! ;-) Soul of my Saviour was sung and prayers by St Chrysostom, St Aquinas and Cardinal Newman were said before the Blessed Sacrament was taken to various parts within and without (for the sake of those outside) the Cathedral and the people blessed. The service finished with Laudate Dominum. Many other hymns and prayers were also said / sung.

I looked forward to this, but it was a much greater joy and blessing than I could've expected. Truly. Thanks be to God. This was my first procession, excluding those around the parish on certain feast days, and I have a newfound appreciation for them, and the visible demonstration of our faith through them.