Corpus Christi Procession Saint-Grégoire-de-Nazianze Church in Vankleek Hill, June 19, 2022

Article and photos by Reid Masson

https://thereview.ca/2022/06/20/saint-gregoire-de-nazianze-church-celebrates-feast-of-corpus-christi/

Parishioners at Saint-Grégoire-de-Nazianze Church in Vankleek Hill celebrated mass in the church at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 19, before proceeding shortly after 11 a.m. with a procession through the streets around the church. 

Parishioners of Saint-Grégoire-de-Nazianze Church in Vankleek Hill commemorated the 225th anniversary of Vankleek Hill, on Sunday, June 19, by celebrating the Feast of Corpus Christi publicly and solemnly, as their forefathers did during the 50s, 60s and 70s.

A type of celebration that dates back to the second half of the thirteenth century, Corpus Christi is primarily a Roman Catholic festival, but it is also acknowledged in the calendar of a few Anglican churches and celebrated by some Western Rite Orthodox Christians. Corpus Christi means the Body of Christ and refers to the Holy Communion, Last Supper or Lord’s Supper. It honors the body of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

Years ago, this feast was presided over by an archbishop, followed by priests, deacons and members of various parish groups like school children, Knights of Columbus, Optimist Club members, etc. The festival of Corpus Christi gave rise in many places to a procession, during which the priest carried the Eucharist, on display in a parade through the streets, then taken to a home which had been decorated with banners and flowers. The procession would proceed with parishioners praying and singing hymns.

Parishioners at Saint-Grégoire-de-Nazianze Church in Vankleek Hill celebrated mass in the church at 10 a.m. before proceeding shortly after 11 a.m. with a procession through the streets around the church. The procession ended at 154 Higginson Street, where a temporary altar, decorated with candles, flowers and various decorative objects was installed at a parishioner’s home, where the procession paused to pray and sing hymns.

Photos by Reid Mason