Processions
What is a Procession?
Catholic processions are solemn occasions where the faithful walk in an organized line, with hearts united in prayer for a special intention, thanksgiving, commemorating the life of a Saint, or important event. Processions are symbolic of the Christian’s pilgrimage on earth, making continual spiritual progress towards heaven, and claiming victory for God.
Processions at the St. Joseph Preserve
The trails at Saint Joseph Preserve are an ideal location for devotional and Eucharistic processions since participants can focus on praying deeply in nature, away from noise and distraction. The distance walked during a procession is varied based on weather conditions, intention, and ability of the group. All processions include a processional cross in the very front with an option to have incense, candles, clergy, the Eucharist, relics of saints, statues carried by hand or on a bier, lay ministers such as Mass Servers or lectors, and banners from organizations within the Catholic church.
History of Processions
Processions have their origin back in the Old Testament of the Bible, approximately 3,400 years ago, when God commanded the Israelite army to march in solemn procession around the enemy city of Jericho seven days with the Ark of the Covenant carried on a bier with trumpets blasting. For their fidelity, God made the walls of Jericho miraculously fall, handing the Israelites control of the town and region in an astounding victory. Since Catholics interpret Mary as the New Ark of the Covenant, Marian Processions always have a Mary statue present and pray the Rosary. The Marian Procession becomes a prayer of petition for God to defeat the forces of darkness, to liberate souls, and claim victory for all of God’s children as is prefigured in Genesis 3:15, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between you and your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.” The rich tradition of procession is most notably a part of Christian history on Palm Sunday when Jesus triumphantly processed into Jerusalem on a donkey to declare his kingship and as the Savior in fulfilment of the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. The crowd recognized that Jesus was processing as king and shouted “Hosanna” to proclaim his victory.
History of Processions
Processions have their origin back in the Old Testament of the Bible, approximately 3,400 years ago, when God commanded the Israelite army to march in solemn procession around the enemy city of Jericho seven days with the Ark of the Covenant carried on a bier with trumpets blasting. For their fidelity, God made the walls of Jericho miraculously fall, handing the Israelites control of the town and region in an astounding victory. Since Catholics interpret Mary as the New Ark of the Covenant, Marian Processions always have a Mary statue present and pray the Rosary. The Marian Procession becomes a prayer of petition for God to defeat the forces of darkness, to liberate souls, and claim victory for all of God’s children as is prefigured in Genesis 3:15, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between you and your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.” The rich tradition of procession is most notably a part of Christian history on Palm Sunday when Jesus triumphantly processed into Jerusalem on a donkey to declare his kingship and as the Savior in fulfilment of the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. The crowd recognized that Jesus was processing as king and shouted “Hosanna” to proclaim his victory.
