The late Pope John Paul II said, "When we go before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament we represent the one in the world who is in most need of God’s Mercy. We stand in behalf of the one in the world who does not know Christ and who is farthest away from God and we bring down upon their soul the Precious Blood of The Lamb." During the Eucharistic Procession that took place on June 14th, Sacred Heart Parish represented many people in the world who are “in most need of God’s Mercy.”
The Procession started out in the Sacred Heart Church. The Knights of Columbus lined the aisle in full regalia waiting for their King of kings to be placed in the monstrance. People moved into the pews in anticipation when the altar servers came in carrying candles, incense, and bells. Fr. Higgins, Fr. Pins, and Fr. Pisut followed and knelt down before the tabernacle. It was like the church had been transported in time to an ancient court where the King’s subjects knelt before Him. Then quietly Fr. Higgins approached the tabernacle, removed the Eucharist, and placed Him in the monstrance as the choir sang in joyful chorus at the coming of their King.
The Knights turned one by one and led the monstrance out into the streets of Chariton. The faithful present congregated to follow their Savior wherever He might lead. With full force the bagpipes began to bellow out a lofty marching tune. Following a banner carried by Gary and Gloria Hoeger and their daughter Sydney, the procession began down Main Street.
As the procession passed down the street a few children who were walking on the side walk joined. Many people came to their door to see what was occurring and their eyes were drawn to the Blessed Sacrament, the world’s Savior. “He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face, O God of Jacob.” Psalm 24:5-6
As the procession passed down the street a few children who were walking on the side walk joined. Many people came to their door to see what was occurring and their eyes were drawn to the Blessed Sacrament, the world’s Savior. “He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face, O God of Jacob.” Psalm 24:5-6
The procession made its way to Jason and Heather Swarthout’s home. In the driveway was a small altar set up to worship Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The Knights pulled apart and the Blessed Sacrament walked through the center and then was place on the altar. Fr. Higgins knelt down before the Eucharist for a moment as the choir sang Veni, Jesu Amor Mi, and then the faithful joined in with O Salutaris. Then Fr. Higgins stood and read from the Gospel. The faithful raised their voices singing Tantum Ergo. After this Fr. Higgins lifted the Eucharist for Benediction. This was done three other times at the homes of Dennis and Dolores Milnes, Mike and Kris Bengtson, and Roger and Kathy Bingham.
The Blessed Sacrament traveled a mile through the streets of Chariton and many people witnessed the love that Sacred Heart Parish has for Jesus in the Eucharist. The procession ended back at the church where the faithful present worshipped Him in silence and song. The Eucharist was then placed back in the tabernacle.
Benedict XIV once said, “I thank you, dear brothers and sisters, for the work you are carrying out to help the faithful on every continent to understand ever better the value and importance of the Eucharist in our lives.”
