Posted on 08/10/2005 2:08:12 PM PDT by Salvation
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Chicago Eucharistic procession draws nearly 10,000 Chicago, Aug. 10, 2005 (CNA) - Archdiocesan officials estimate that nearly 10,000 people, bearing colorful banners and donning t-shirts emblazoned with pro-life phrases, were present in Chicago’s Grant Park Sunday for a Eucharistic benediction and procession through the streets of the city. Cardinal Francis George led the procession and benediction--the first outdoor liturgy of its kind in Chicago in five years--saying that the Eucharist is about change. He asked the crowd, “What needs to be transformed? What needs to be changed? . . . What makes us a society that is too often plagued by violence in the streets and in our neighborhoods and by corruption of various sorts in corporations, in our governments and even at times, in the church?" He noted that peace can only be achieved if people are able to become free of their own vices and addictions to things like alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography, anger and "our own prejudices and racism." The procession, held in honor of the Year of the Eucharist, proclaimed by the late John Paul II, was led by some 2,000 Knights of Columbus who had just finished their national congress at the nearby Hilton Hotel. 23 year old Andrew Brinkman, a University of Chicago law student told the Chicago Sun-Times that the gathering is "an important testimony to our faith and demonstrates the Catholic commitment to evangelizing the city." Suzanne Devane, likewise told the Sun-Times that, "I think Catholics feel like we're the least popular people in the country right now. We're seen as the 'horrible Christian right,'…It's wonderful to be together in solidarity with other people of the same faith." |
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Not there, but it's good to see 10000 were! :o)
Nice to see my brothers in the KofC out in front!
The American Catholics need to reclaim American public space, before it is too late.
Our pastor has floated the idea of a Eucharistic Procession this fall.
Undoubtedly due to the relentless attacks on Catholics and other Christians by the evil ones on the ravening left.
Leni
It is vital if Christianity is to survive in America as more than a private exercise. The state wants the public space to itself. The legal thinking that religious expression does not belong on the public property is gaining recognition. They won't stop at tearing monuments down.
A right that is not exercised is a right that is usurped first.
bump
We're having one of these in Philly in October. I expect 10's, possibly 100's of thousands. Our parish and all the neighboring parishes are offering free busses downtown.
Do you have the details on this (or a link)??
Amen!
I would say "Do it!"
Why not?
Great news. Send us the details!
Good tagline!
It's been in all the bulletins and our Catholic newspaper for a month or more. Here's the relevant part of the writeup from our bulletin:
Prayer on the Parkway
Come celebrate Christ's Eucharistic Presence
All the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are invited to attend an outdoor, public celebration of Christ's Eucharistic Presence among us with a Holy Hour and Benediction on Sunday, September 18, 2005 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Logan Square on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.
Cardinal Rigali will lead this prayerful event to close out the Year of the Eucharist.
For more information, call 215 587 0525
Several parishes by me hold one every year, including one very large parish. It brings out the elderly and the babies. Little girls often wear their First Communion dresses. It's very beautiful.
Sorry Salvation I meant to address my #18 to you as well.
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