Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
May 29, 2002
Corpus Christi procession to celebrate Real Presence
All invited to First Friday Forum, June 7, feast of the Sacred Heart
All are invited to deepen their love for Jesus and pray for reparation for sin by attending Mass and an outdoor Corpus Christi procession at the John Paul II Center, 7 a.m. June 7, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
It will be the ninth First Friday Forum, a monthly gathering that includes Mass followed by a continental breakfast featuring thought provoking speakers. Past speakers have included Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Bishop Jose Gomez, S.T.D., Regis University President Father Mike Sheeran, and Gov. Bill Owens.
"The speakers have been outstanding, but our primary focus has been to foster devotion to the Sacred Heart by encouraging people to assist at Mass on the first Friday of every month," explained Derek Dalton, general manager of KWGN-Channel 2, who is a member of the advisory committee for the First Friday Forum. "Our group also has a special connection with the seminarians studying for the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Denver, since we join them for Mass every month."
Father Florián Martín-Calama, rector of Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary, will celebrate Mass on June 7 and lead the Corpus Christi procession. Seminarians from Redemptoris Mater will provide the music and assist in the procession.
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi is observed on June 2. It is a feast day that honors the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
"The Church encourages us to honor the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the holy Eucharist with a procession on, or near, the feast of Corpus Christi," said Religious Sister of Mercy Moira Debono, director of liturgy for the Archdiocese of Denver. "It is an ancient and beautiful tradition, one that draws us deeper into the mystery of Christ's presence in the holy Eucharist, especially at Mass."
In 1673, Jesus Christ appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and revealed to her that he had chosen her to foster devotion to the Sacred Heart. Throughout the rest of her life, St. Margaret Mary shared Christ's desire that the faithful would make reparation for their sins and the sins of the world by honoring the Sacred Heart on the First Friday of the month.
Admission to the First Friday Forum is free, but donations will be accepted at the continental breakfast to help offset costs. The group is organized by lay people and is co-sponsored by the Catholic Foundation, the Communications Secretariat of the Archdiocese of Denver, the Knights of Columbus and Legatus of Colorado.
The John Paul II Center is at 1300 S. Steele St. in Denver.
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