A Corpus Christi procession took place on the streets of Scotland's capital today (Sunday 2 June) as a public witness to our faith in Jesus Christ.
The procession, organised by the Archdiocese, began at St Patrick's Church in The Cowgate, before heading onto the Royal Mile, with participants singing hymns in praise of Jesus.
It followed Mass in which Archbishop Leo Cushley was the principal celebrant. Watch below or on YouTube
Archbishop Cushley said: "It's a very visible and public celebration of our Faith.
"The Corpus Christi procession is intended for the good of all the people who live here, that they may be blessed and have peace."
Catholic organisations taking part included The Sovereign Order of Malta, The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and The Knights of St Columba.
Thanks to Fr Gerard Hatton, Fr Ninian Doohan and all at St Patrick's for hosting this special event.
Other priests who concelebrated Mass were Fr Josh Moir (St Patrick's, Kilsyth), Fr James Cadman (St Mary & St David, Hawick, Jedburgh, Kelso) and Fr Joe McAuley (Archdiocese of Glasgow).
Corpus Christi procession this Sunday
The Archdiocesan Eucharistic Procession for the Feast of Corpus Christi, led by Archbishop Cushley, takes place at St Patrick's Church, Cowgate, Edinburgh at midday on Sunday 2 June.
Holy Mass will be celebrated in the church ahead of the procession, at 11:00am.
Please join us and be a public witness to the Eucharistic Lord in Scotland's capital.
The Route
The route is a 500m (0.3 mile) loop: Cowgate, St Mary’s Street, High Street, Blackfriars Street,then onto Skinner’s Close and S Gray’s Close. Please note, the route is on pathways only. Please follow guidance from stewards on the day.
St Patrick's also hosts 40 Hours' Devotion in the lead up to the event.
Thursday 30th May 2024 5.45pm Solemn Mass of Exposition 9.00pm Rosary followed by Deposition
Friday 31st May 2024 8.15am Holy Mass (New rite Latin) 12.30pm Low Mass (English) 6.00pm devotions and Sermon 9.00pm Rosary, followed by all-night vigil
Saturday 1st June 2024 8.15am Low Mass (New Rite Latin) 11.30am Rosary Meditation. 12.30pm Sung Mass for Peace 6.00pm Sung Vespers 9.00pm Rosary followed by Deposition
Sunday 2nd June 2024
11:00am Solemn Mass & Outdoor Procession with Archbishop Leo Cushley
5.30pm Solemn Vespers and Benediction
GALLERY: Sun shines on Corpus Christi Procession
Hundreds of people gathered in Falkirk on Sunday for a Corpus Christi parade.
They were a public witness to the Eucharistic Christ, singing hymns glorifying His name through the town centre.
Thanks to Fr Daniel Doherty and the team at St Francis Xavier's for hosting!
Gallery
Join us for Corpus Christi Procession in Falkirk
Join Archbishop Leo Cushley, clergy and Catholics from across the Archdiocese for a Corpus Christi procession in Falkirk this Sunday (11 June).
It takes place on the Feast of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ this Sunday and begins at 2:30pm at the Bandstand in High Street.
Archbishop Cushley said: "This is an opportunity for Catholics across the Archdiocese to come together on the Feast of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ.
"I invite you to join me to be a public witness to the Eucharistic Christ as we celebrate the presence of the living Lord in the Sunday Eucharist and in the Blessed Sacrament."
Where/When to meet
Gather at the bandstand in Falkirk High Street from 2:00pm. We begin at 2:30pm. Google Map here.
Route
We will walk down the High Street before turning right onto Hope Street where St Francis Xavier's Church is based. This is expected to take around 15-20 minutes.
What happens en route?
Archbishop Leo Cushley will carry the Blessed Sacrament under a canopy. Eucharistic hymns will be sung and a booklet of hymns will be provided. Stewards will be on hand to guide us along the route.
Will bystanders know what's happening?
Probably not, so event volunteers will be equipped with a simple leaflet which explains to bystanders what we're doing and why we're doing it.
What happens at the Church?
Once we arrive at St Francis Xavier's there will be a period of adoration and a simple Benediction service. This will take around 15 mins.
Refreshments?
Yes, served in the church hall after Benediction.
Where can I park? Parking is free in Falkirk town centre on Sundays and there are plenty of public parking options. Parking spaces at the church are limited. There is an Asda across the road from the church with free parking (a 10 min walk to the Bandstand where the procession begins).
Notes for parents
If your child is an altar server please encourage them to wear their cassock. If your child recently made their First Holy Communion please dress them in what they wore on that day.
