Corpus Christi Procession 2023

Sunday 11th June, 3pm

Led by

Bishop Ralph Heskett

Our annual Corpus Christi Procession is an important public expression of our Catholic faith. 

We begin outside St Marie’s Cathedral, and take Jesus – the Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament – to 4 prepared outdoor altars within the City Centre.

Please gather outside St Marie’s Cathedral by 3pm on Sunday 11th June, and our Stewards will assist you.

We believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist: the daily miracle of love, where bread and wine become God. The Holy Eucharist is the supreme sacrifice, which is why the Liturgy of the Eucharist always has central focus in every Catholic Mass said, right across the world.

Sacrifice has always played a vital role in humanity’s relationship with God. A sacrifice is a gift, and can be used to express:

  • Thanksgiving for blessing God has given us
  • Humble submission to God’s authority
  • Atonement for our sins
  • Appeal for mercy
  • Or all of the above!

In the Old Testament, sacrifice often entailed the death of an animal, but not always; Israel was instructed to sacrifice gifts of grain, wine and oil as well.

In the New Testament, Christians are asked to offer a variety of sacrifices: praise, prayers, almsgiving and other charitable works. (1 Peter 2:5; Hebrews 13:15-16)

Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is made present anew at every Eucharist. It is a unique sacrifice, where Christ is both priest and victim. (CCC 1367).  By consuming Jesus in the Eucharist, we are joining ourselves to his sacrifice. Our lives become an offering to the Father: in Him, with Him and through Him (CCC 1368).

For us, coming to Mass on a regular basis can be considered a form of modern day ‘sacrifice’. So, let us all make it count by arriving early, participating earnestly, and singing our praises with joy!