Saint Mary Magdalen Church Corpus Christi procession

Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church leads the way in marking feast day
Corpus Christi procession revives a centuries-old tradition

On Sunday, June 10, Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Brentwood celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi with a procession through the surrounding neighborhood. Following the 11:30 a.m. Mass, Rev. Jack Siefert, Saint Mary Magdalen Pastor, carried the gold monstrance bearing the Blessed Sacrament from the church and to the streets of Brentwood. Rev. Christopher Martin and Deacon Bill Weiss also took turns carrying the large, gold monstrance, walking beneath a jeweled canopy called a sky. Ahead of the canopy, a server bearing a crucifix led the procession, followed by servers with incense and candles. Rose petals were scattered along the path by children who had received their First Communion at Saint Mary Magdalen earlier this year.

The procession made its way through the neighborhood, with parishioners following, singing songs and carrying flowers. The procession stopped at three homes, where an act of Benediction was made. All in attendance knelt for this solemn blessing. The procession moved along Manchester Road, returning to the church for a final blessing. Afterwards, parishioners gathered for lemonade and cookies outside the church.

“The purpose of this long-standing tradition is to take the Blessed Sacrament out in procession into the marketplace to highlight its importance to the community,” said Rev. Seifert.  “It will send a loving and beautiful message about the importance of faith for our community.”

Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church serves parishioners from Brentwood, Rock Hill, Webster Groves, Maplewood, Richmond Heights, and St. Louis. Visit our Web sites: smmpf.org and stmmschool.com