20History of The Corpus Christi Procession
The Corpus Christi procession has been a longstanding tradition in Brisbane, dating back to the early 1900’s. The public exhibition of faith
began in 1912 at St Joseph’s Nudgee College, were the solemn walk with Jesus, saw the participation of thousands of faithfuls.
At one point exceeding 50,000, the procession was forced to move to the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds, from 1950- 1980 to accommodate all the people. In the 1950’s, attendance was especially high: over 50,000 (1950); 70,000 (1951); 100,000 (1952); and 60,000 (1953).
However, after the 1950’s, attendance began to fall, mainly because of the withdrawal of many school students, and other Sunday activities, and after discussion by the Priests' Senate, the celebration became a Deanery one. In the Brisbane North Deanery the last celebration was in 1987, lead by Bishop Gerry.
The tradition itself disbanded in Brisbane nearly 45 years ago until deceased Jesuit Father Gregory Jordan revived the devotion almost 25 years ago.
Since then, the procession has been celebrated yearly seeing the participation of people from all over Brisbane and from various cultural communities; Vietnamese, Filipinos, Indonesians, Latin Americans, Indians, Pacific Islanders and many others.
The procession was again brought to a halt from 2020-2022 due to the COVID outbreak, and restarted again in 2023.
Why a Procession with the Most Holy Eucharist?
Under the Cannon law, Chapter II: The reservation and veneration of the Most Holy Eucharist it is stated that:
Can. 944 §1. When it can be done in the judgment of the diocesan bishop, a procession through the public streets is to be held as a public witness of veneration toward the Most Holy Eucharist, especially on the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.
§2. It is for the diocesan bishop to establish regulations which provide for the participation in and the dignity of processions
The Corpus Christi procession has been a longstanding tradition in Brisbane, dating back to the early 1900’s. The public exhibition of faith
began in 1912 at St Joseph’s Nudgee College, were the solemn walk with Jesus, saw the participation of thousands of faithfuls.
At one point exceeding 50,000, the procession was forced to move to the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds, from 1950- 1980 to accommodate all the people. In the 1950’s, attendance was especially high: over 50,000 (1950); 70,000 (1951); 100,000 (1952); and 60,000 (1953).
However, after the 1950’s, attendance began to fall, mainly because of the withdrawal of many school students, and other Sunday activities, and after discussion by the Priests' Senate, the celebration became a Deanery one. In the Brisbane North Deanery the last celebration was in 1987, lead by Bishop Gerry.
The tradition itself disbanded in Brisbane nearly 45 years ago until deceased Jesuit Father Gregory Jordan revived the devotion almost 25 years ago.
Since then, the procession has been celebrated yearly seeing the participation of people from all over Brisbane and from various cultural communities; Vietnamese, Filipinos, Indonesians, Latin Americans, Indians, Pacific Islanders and many others.
The procession was again brought to a halt from 2020-2022 due to the COVID outbreak, and restarted again in 2023.
Why a Procession with the Most Holy Eucharist?
Under the Cannon law, Chapter II: The reservation and veneration of the Most Holy Eucharist it is stated that:
Can. 944 §1. When it can be done in the judgment of the diocesan bishop, a procession through the public streets is to be held as a public witness of veneration toward the Most Holy Eucharist, especially on the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.
§2. It is for the diocesan bishop to establish regulations which provide for the participation in and the dignity of processions
References
Brisbane Catholics and Corpus Christi – Family history across the seas
Code of Canon Law - Book IV - Function of the Church Liber (Cann. 879-958)
Corpus Christi Procession in Brisbane - Archdiocese of Brisbane
Sea of Catholics follow Christ for Corpus Christi feast - The Catholic Leader
Vol 5 p 38 - The Church in Brisbane Before and After Vatican II, by Paul Martin
Brisbane Catholics and Corpus Christi – Family history across the seas
Code of Canon Law - Book IV - Function of the Church Liber (Cann. 879-958)
Corpus Christi Procession in Brisbane - Archdiocese of Brisbane
Sea of Catholics follow Christ for Corpus Christi feast - The Catholic Leader
Vol 5 p 38 - The Church in Brisbane Before and After Vatican II, by Paul Martin
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Most Sacred heart of Jesus, TRULY present in the Holy Eucharist, I consecrate my body and soul to be entirely one with Your Heart, being sacrificed at every instant on all the Altars of the world giving praise to the Father, pleading for the coming of His Kingdom. Please receive this humble offering of myself. Use me as You will for the Glory of the Father and the salvation of souls. Most Holy Mother of God, never let me be separated from your Divine Son.
Amen. |
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The Corpus Christi Procession is coordinated by Multicultural Pastoral Care within Archdiocesan Ministries with the support of a committee of dedicated volunteers.
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