By Katie Vasquez
Thousands of New Yorkers experienced a unique sight during the evening rush hour as a Eucharistic procession, led by priests, sisters, and laypeople, wound its way through the streets of Midtown Manhattan.
The procession, starting at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and passing Radio City Music Hall, brought the Body of Christ into the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities.
Kasia Domaraezka, visiting from Poland, expressed her emotions while witnessing the event.
“I really feel very touched by this,” Domaraezka said. “And I kneeled when I saw … the body of Christ.”
The event, organized by the Napa Institute, aims to inspire faith through public displays of devotion.
“It’s going out to touch people with Jesus in the real presence … and the Holy Spirit is working to bring these people into the faith,” said Tim Busch, founder of the Napa Institute.
Since its inception four years ago, the procession has seen growing popularity, with nearly 2 million online views.
For many participants, it’s a recurring experience.
“I’ve come here before … and there’s actually a lot more people,” said Joseph Herrera, a sophomore at Cathedral Prep School and Seminary in Elmhurst..
Inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the faithful prepared with prayer, including the rosary and a Holy Hour. Msgr. James Shea, president of the University of Mary, emphasized the spiritual importance of the procession.
“In the midst of it, we are putting out to the deep,” Msgr. Shea said. “We are going all out for Jesus.”
One of the highlights for many was the opportunity to venerate a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a Millennial soon to be canonized as a saint.
“It’s a beautiful thing because next year, he’s going to be canonized a saint,” Busch said.
This moment was particularly special for Zoe Dongas, a perpetual pilgrim who has traveled across the country for the Eucharistic Revival.
“To get to experience that with the people of my city, to proclaim Jesus from the streets, there’s no higher honor,” Dongas said.