Corpus Christi – It is the Lord!

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi on June 19, 2022 marks the beginning of the Eucharistic Revival here in the Diocese of Pittsburgh and across our nation. This great feast reminds us of the awesome truth about the Holy Eucharist that the Church taught from the beginning – It is the Lord!
           
The bread and wine that is brought to the altar at every Mass does not remain bread and wine.  Rather, when the priest prays the words of consecration, “Take this, all of you, and eat it: for this is My Body…Take this, all of you, and drink from it: for this is the chalice of My Blood”, the bread and wine become the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.  It is the Lord!
           
The Holy Eucharist is not a thing among other things in our life.  No, this Sacrament of the Altar is a Person, the Divine Person of Jesus Christ.  The Eucharistic Revival Movement is all about our renewing and increasing our faith in, our adoration of, our reverence for, and our love for the Lord Jesus Christ truly and substantially present in the Holy Eucharist.  He deserves this from us in the Holy Eucharist because – It is the Lord!
           
On the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, June 19, Bishop Zubik will celebrate Mass at 12 noon in St. Paul Cathedral, 108 North Dithridge in Pittsburgh.  At the conclusion of Mass Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament will be taken in procession into the streets surrounding the cathedral.  It will be a public witness to our profound faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, His power to bless our diocese, and to unite us in His love.
           
So, my dear friends come to St. Paul Cathedral for this solemn Corpus Christi Mass and procession.  Join in an awesome public celebration of our faith in Jesus who is really present in our midst in the Blessed Sacrament.  It is the Lord!
           
All are welcome.  Children from our Catholic schools and parish faith formation programs, second through twelfth grades, are invited to attend this memorable event. Those who have received their First Holy Communion this year are invited to come in their First Holy Communion attire.  Those who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation this year are also especially invited.   
           
All members of Catholic apostolates, associations and movements are invited to come and participate in the Mass and the procession.  Each parish is asked to send five to ten representatives.  Members of religious communities in our diocese are cordially invited to participate. 
           
All participants are asked to be present in the cathedral  by 11:30 AM for instructions about the Mass and procession. 
             
As we kick-off our diocesan Eucharistic Revival, let us be united in our faith in the Real and abiding Presence of Jesus Our Savior in the Blessed Sacrament and proclaim His saving love and mercy to the whole world!

Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid
Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh