Altar servers lead the Eucharist Procession as it leaves the Pastoral Center. They walked from the Center to the Cathedral, stopping at three Altar Stations.

NEW ULM — The Roman Catholic Diocese of New Ulm held its Corpus Christi Eucharist Procession Sunday.

The Corpus Christi Eucharist Procession is a walk from one holy place to another with the Blessed Sacrament, which Catholics believe is the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. The walk is meant to strengthen a Catholic’s bond with Jesus Christ.

“Catholics can honor Christ in the Eucharist and serve as witnesses to the intimate presence of God in the world and each individual,” A diocese press release stated.

Prior to the Procession’s beginning, the Pastoral Center was open for silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Procession started at the New Ulm Catholic Pastoral Center and walked to the Cathedral. Altar servers led the Procession and Bishop Chad Zielinski held the Blessed Sacrament.

Along the way there were three altar stations where the Procession halted for a moment of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

“During this time the celebrant will offer a benediction for whom the altar is dedicated,” the procession program stated.

The first altar was at Loretto park and was for the sick and health care workers. The second altar was at 5th St North and Garden St and was for families and the protection of life. The third altar was at St. Anthony Elementary and was for catechists and students.

Two verses of the hymn “Pange Lingua” were sung at each altar for a total of six verses. Rose petals were scattered along the walk by First Communion boys.

This Procession signals the beginning of the “Year of Parish Renewal” in the National Eucharistic Revival initiative. This three-year initiative comes from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) after the Roman Catholic Church noticed a decline in Eucharistic faith.

“In late 2019, a Pew Study indicated what many had long suspected. Few Catholics, approximately 30 percent, fully believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist,” the diocese release stated.

National Eucharistic Revival seeks to re-ignite the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

“More than an event or a program, they envisioned a true revival to rediscover the source and summit of our Faith through a deep commitment of prayer, pilgrimage, and worship on the part of the entire Church in the United States,” the diocese stated.

After the Cathedral service, which allowed for a silent adoration and solemn benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, barbecue and refreshments were served in Washington Park by the Knights of Columbus.