FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI
By Deacon Keith Cabiles
Special to the Hawaii Catholic Herald
What: Feast of Corpus Christi, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
When: Sunday, June 23
Msgr. Gary Secor carries the Blessed Sacrament in last year’s Corpus Christi procession. (HCH file photo)
What and where: 10:30 a.m. Mass, Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa with Bishop Larry Silva. 11:45 a.m. eucharistic procession to the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. (Bring sun protection and water for this one-and-a-half-mile route.) 1 p.m. Adoration and Benediction, cathedral basilica
Who: All are invited!
Background and appeal: With its origins dating back to the mid-13th century, the Feast of Corpus Christi is an ancient and sacred jubilant celebration of the Blessed Sacrament. It is a chance for all believers to focus on the Body of Christ in the Eucharist, and the Body of Christ, the church.
We faithful gather to express our love and devotion to Jesus Christ, not only to and for ourselves, but on this day, we proclaim it to the entire world!
We must consider this opportunity with urgency like never before. In today’s world of hatred, violence, uninformed principles, apathy, and decay in trust of religion — all the negative news we see on television and newsfeeds — we faithful must embrace our call to bring Good News to the world.
Be inspired by Bishop Silva’s words from his pastoral plan, “Stewards of the Gospel”: “In many ways we are challenged to be like [Hawaii’s] early missionaries, coming into a culture that needs transformation through the healing light of the risen Jesus, facing virgin territory in planting and nurturing the seeds of faith in Jesus Christ. … Just as the early missionaries to Hawaii were faithful and dedicated in spite of trials and persecutions, we, too, need to be strong in sharing our faith and giving witness to Jesus.”
And so, on June 23, steel yourselves and be strong. Render your faith and love for Christ by celebrating the Feast of Corpus Christi. Join this public procession led by our own Bishop Silva, who like Christ himself, is an example for all of us to follow, support and imitate.
How: Please consider sending a group from your parish (large or small!) to join us for the Feast of Corpus Christi. Our goal is at least 200 participants; about double last year’s attendance. Contact Deacon Modesto Cordero at the Office of Worship for more information, 585-3342.
Deacon Cabiles is the chancellor of the Diocese of Honolulu.