Corpus Christi Celebration
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist and yesterday it was celebrated with great joy at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. The day started with heavy rain and severe storms, but cleared in time for mass and the outdoor procession. Our Archbishop carried the monstrance throughout the neighborhood stopping at 3 outdoor altars for benediction services before ended up back inside the Cathedral for a final Benediction of the Eucharist. As the crowd processed (my estimate is there were 350 to 450 people) hymns were sung and litanies were prayed. I would LOVE to write about every moment of this most beautiful service, but as I said, we had severe storms in St. Louis yesterday and now we are busy trying to dry out our basement which was flooded with about 1/2 foot of water in the night time! (yeach!) In any case, I wanted to share some photos - which will tell the story much better than I could anyway!
We had one too, Aeternus, here in Belfast, processing from St Dominic’s High School to St Peter’s Cathedral. I’m sorry to hear about the heavy rain and its aftermath. Here it was blue skies and sunshine all the way. But I know you well enough by now, Aeternus, to know that you had a wonderful day, whatever the weather! And you got more photos!!!
Comment by Ann — May 26, 2008 @ 3:25 pm
You guessed right. I kinda like stormy days, it’s like God showing off His mighty power! And, when the storm clouds pass, it makes for beautiful light! I was happy to be on “assignment” with my camera though a bit sheepish to take photos during a blessed event. In any case, I tried my best to “shoot from the hip” without calling attention to my camera. And, I enjoyed making photos which were more on the artistic side rather than straight forward ones. I hope they translate the piety and solemnity of the celebration.
I am glad you day was sunny in Belfast! We are much drier today but soggy is still the word of the day.
Comment by aeternus — May 26, 2008 @ 6:44 pm
As usual, another fine post with beautiful photos.
I look at the last one and it reminds me of the structure of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica here in Boston, only on a grander scale. Lovely, beautiful art , lifting the heart and soul up and away from the cares of life.
Thanks for sharing , aeternus
Comment by teresa_anawim — May 26, 2008 @ 10:12 pm
Hello Teresa.
Our Cathedral is actually the largest collection of Mosaic (so it is said) in the world! WOW! It is really a stunning and overwhelmingly beautiful place to worship. And not only is the building grand, but the choir and clergy are so very wonderful too. Truly there is an appreciation for the eternal beauty here!
Comment by aeternus — May 27, 2008 @ 7:24 am
350 to 450 people, and 3 outdoor altars along the way! I can hardly believe it, for we have nothing like that here. I am so happy for you and Ann and others who are able to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi in this way. I just love the fourth picture, of the outdoor altar.
Comment by Gabrielle — May 27, 2008 @ 9:51 pm
You will just have to make a visit to St. Louis next year!
Comment by aeternus — May 28, 2008 @ 6:54 am