For the second year in a row the traditional Corpus Christi procession through the streets of Rome was canceled due to the pandemic.
Instead the Pope celebrated the feast day with a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.
He recalled that the traditional procession is a reminder that Christians cannot live their faith only indoors.
POPE FRANCIS
'The procession of the Blessed Sacrament—a hallmark of the feast of Corpus Christi, yet one that for the moment we cannot celebrate—reminds us that we are called to go out and bring Jesus to others. To go out with enthusiasm, bringing Christ to those we meet in our daily lives'.
The Pope explained how the Eucharist embodies a God who makes Himself present in simple things, and that by reflecting on His humility Christians are drawn closer to the Blessed Sacrament.
He said that through wonder we develop a sense of adoration for God which allows us to live faithfully.
POPE FRANCIS
'We need to leave our small self-enclosed space and enter the large room, the vast expanse of wonder and adoration. If we lose the wonder and adoration, then there is no way to the Lord. There will be no synod, nothing. Adoration: that is the attitude we must have before the Eucharist'.
At the end of the celebration, everyone present prayed before the Blessed Sacrament for several minutes, including the Pope
The Mass was held in the apse of St. Peter's Basilica at the Altar of the Chair with few people in attendance. The space is typically reserved for silent prayer and meditation.
Javier Romero
TR: JM
VM
