OLM Students Hold Corpus Christi Procession
In observance of a long-standing Catholic tradition which dates back to the 13th century, the students at Our Lady of Mercy School participated in a solemn and moving Eucharistic Procession this week.
In 1264, Pope Urban IV declared that the Thursday after Trinity Sunday should be observed as a day dedicated to the profession of the Holy Eucharist as the true presence of Jesus, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Over the course of the past several centuries, Catholics around the world have been creating meaningful ways to mark this tradition, including decorating the actual path on which the procession will take place.
On Thursday, June 4, the date of the original Feast of Corpus Christi, students at OLM had the opportunity to experience the tradition first hand with the guidance of OLM Parochial Vichar Fr. Joseph Brodeur. The Graduating 8th Graders accompanied Fr. Brodeur who carried the Blessed Sacrament, in procession going from the church to a path around the school exterior where the sidewalk had been decorated in chalk by students in all grades. The procession then went into the school and visited each classroom, where Fr. Brodeur imparted a special blessing known as Benediction. Students remained quiet and reverent during his solemn prayer. The procession returned to the church with the 8th Graders where Fr. Brodeur adored and prayed to the Blessed Sacrament, along with the students.
With a tradition of excellence in Catholic education since 1951, Our Lady of Mercy School supports its students as they strive to be the saints and scholars that God is calling them to be. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Pre-K through Grade 8, co-educational Catholic school located in East Greenwich, RI offers its students the opportunity to pursue excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts in a nurturing environment built upon the teachings of the Catholic Church.
