The Eucharistic Procession in Cork drew large crowds on Sunday, June 7th across the city streets to celebrate the 100th anniversary since the first Eucharistic Procession which took place on June 6th, 1926. Despite the heavy rain, the number of participants was estimated to be over 5,000, an increase from last year.
One of Cork City’s longest-running traditions, the procession began at 3pm from the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Anne – the North Cathedral – concluding with a final prayer and benediction at Grand Parade.
In the weeks leading up to the anniversary procession, a series of faith events took place across the Diocese of Cork and Ross to mark the occasion, including the presentation of the relics of the first millennial saint, Saint Carlo Acutis; 100 hours of adoration for the 100th anniversary; a two-week diocesan mission led by young people from the Diocese of Cork and Ross together with a Canadian mission from Catholic Christian Outreach. The celebration also included special blessings for individuals competing in the Cork City Marathon and for students taking their state exams this summer.
The Eucharistic Procession in Cork City began after the War of Independence and Civil War in Ireland in a bid to help heal the divisions.
Speaking at the Eucharistic Procession, Bishop Fintan Gavin, Diocese of Cork and Ross said that the procession ‘was born in a time when people longed for unity after division, for peace after conflict, and for healing after wounds that were still very raw’.
“The people of Cork wanted Jesus in the Eucharist to be brought through the streets of the city. They wanted to say, in faith: Lord, walk with us. Bless our homes. Heal our divisions. Stay with us”.
“One hundred years later, that prayer has lost none of its urgency. Today our city streets become an aisle. The concrete beneath our feet is blessed by the One who once walked the roads of Galilee and who now walks the streets of Cork,” he said.
“Today’s procession is the fruit of much prayer, preparation and mission across our diocese in these past two weeks. Today the procession ends here, but the mission does not. May we go from here with hearts burning too, not simply proud of a tradition we have inherited, but with a love for Christ who is with us now, and ready to hand on a living faith; not only carrying Christ through Cork today, but allowing Christ to carry Cork into tomorrow,” Bishop Fintan Gavin said.
