Etobicoke: St. Benedict Parish Holds Inaugural Eucharistic Procession

By Rosina Di Felice, Salesian Cooperator

(Etobicoke, ON – June 10) – On Sunday, June 7, a Eucharistic procession made its way around St. Benedict Parish in celebration of the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. Participants publicly expressed their faith in the Real Presence, thereby acknowledging that Jesus Christ is truly present in the consecrated bread and wine.

This procession route took place around the parish grounds. Fr. Adaikala Raja John, SDB, warmly invited everyone in the parish community to participate in this Eucharistic procession, which he hopes will become an annual ritual.

Fr. Raja carried the monstrance and was accompanied by young adults who bore a canopy, which hovered over the Blessed Sacrament, thereby manifesting reverence to Christ in the Eucharist. Fr. Munir Al Rai, SDB, director of the Salesian works in Nazareth, joined in as well. Altar servers led the procession, carrying the cross, lighted candles, and the thurible with incense. Dcn. Peter Takaoka read Bible verses about the Eucharist. The music ministers began the musical accompaniment with Taize songs, followed by prayerful Eucharistic hymns. Dcn. Mike Carrera and Sr. Hae-Jin Lim, FMA, also participated in the procession.

Children who recently received their First Holy Communion scattered different-colored rose petals along the path before the Blessed Sacrament. Both young and old walked alongside each other, worshipping in reverence and awe.

The procession returned to St. Benedict Church. Fr. Raja held Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament for the parishioners inside the church. The entire day was a powerful testament of worship and public witness and resulted in a stronger sense of community. After this special procession and profession of faith, everyone was invited to a barbecue and fellowship hosted by the Knights of Columbus.