Catholic procession means to symbolize faith in action

Bishop Larry Silva will lead the Catholic Diocese of Hono­lulu’s annual 1.25-mile Corpus Christi procession June 2 from the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Kalihi-Palama to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace downtown.

The observance of the feast, also known as the "Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ," will begin with a 5 a.m. Eucharist service in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, a news release said. Silva will celebrate Mass at 10:30 a.m. at the co-cathedral before leading the public procession at 11:45 a.m.

When Silva initiated the procession in 2007, he said, "We, who are his (Jesus’) Body, take our faith to the streets to demonstrate that our faith is not only meant to be lived inside the church, but it is to transform society, to bring it healing and reconciliation," the release said.

The bishop will carry a monstrance holding the Holy Eucharist, shielded from the noonday sun by a canopy on poles carried by volunteers. During the walk he and others will lead hymns and prayers.

The hourlong procession will travel along School Street and Nuu­anu Avenue, over the freeway and Vineyard Boulevard, to Beretania Street and the cathedral. Participants in previous years have numbered in the hundreds, the release said. It will end with adoration and a Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 1 p.m. in the cathedral.