Here is a sampling of some of the 55 photos edited this evening from todays Corpus Christi Procession on the grounds of Assumption Grotto in Detroit.
The noon Mass was full and the vast majority of those in attendance were in the procession which didn't end until nearly 3pm. They spilled out from a very hot church (no air - we just "offer it up"), into the very hot and humid air. The pastor, Fr. Perrone must have had special help from many angels to hold the "80% chance of rain and storms" off until long after the procession ended.
The Holy Cross sisters worked hard from the wee hours of the morning to set up this altar - the fourth outdoor stop. I caught them working at around 11:00 when I showed up for choir practice. The photo doesn't do it justice!
The altar boys, dressed in white cassocks and gold shoulder-capes led the way with plenty of "smells and bells". In fact, there were two thuribles being used, pumping incense into the air, alternating with three swings each towards the Blessed Sacrament.
It is not uncommon for several sisters of the Missionaries of Charity to appear, as they work within Detroit. They minister through a soup kitchen and clothing distribution center, provide temporary shelter for women and their children, conduct tutorial classes and visit shut-ins. Today, some joined us quietly for a day of prayer and adoration. They are a welcome site to all of us, and enable us to reflect back in awe at the work initiated by Mother Teresa.
Associate Pastor of Assumption Grotto, Fr. John Bustamante, carries Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. I know our brothers and sisters at Sts. Cyril & Methodius, Fr. John's former parish, will appreciate photos taken this day, as well.
I'm going to roughly estimate about 300 in the procession. My camera did not have a wide angle and there were still quite a few on either side. This was the first outdoor altar.
Processing to the second altar, one set of altar boys leads the way.....
...while our organist and singer, Ray, brings up the rear, along with the priests, and the Blessed Sacrament.
Fr. John Bustamante at the second outdoor altar.
As the bells ring, and the thurible swings, Benediction takes place!
More pictures tomorrow, if Blogger is cooperative.