Eucharistic Procession Through Olney Held In Observance Of The Faith And Blue Weekend
By: Rev. Matthew Biedrzycki, Parochial Vicar St. Helena Parish in Philadelphia
On Saturday October 12, 2024, the parish communities of St. Helena and St. Ambrose joined the Philadelphia Police of the 35th District and other local clergy, who serve the 35th, to conduct a Eucharistic Procession through the streets of the Olney Section of the city. The procession was conducted as part of the Philadelphia Police’s observance of the Faith and Blue Program, a national effort to facilitate safer, stronger, more just and unified communities through collaboration with faith-based organizations. The event also coincided with the feast day of Blessed Carlo Acutis who was known for his great devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist and his website commemorating various Eucharistic Miracles throughout the world. Blessed Carlos Acutis will be canonized by his holiness Pope Francis in the near future.
The procession began at the Feliz Filadelfia Ballfield at the corner of Nedro and Hammond Avenues. From there, the procession wound its way through the streets of Olney toward St. Ambrose Parish; a distance of nearly two miles. The celebration concluded with the celebration of Benediction at St. Ambrose Parish.
Mrs. Andrea Santiago, a parishioner of St. Helena Parish and one of the principal organizers of the event described the procession as a “Powerful, wonderful blessing for the community.” Mr. Jose Rivera, founder of Feliz Filadelfia Community Center in Olney said “It was heartening to see so many people come together in prayer for our city.” Officer Robert Hoppe of the 35th District said “It was a blessing to join St. Helena, St. Ambrose and clergy of the 35th District as one to help spread peace.”
The celebration touched the hearts of many who walked the length of the route and looked on as Jesus passed them in the Blessed Sacrament. Fr. Charle Ravert, Pastor of St. Ambrose Parish observed, “The whole day was a beautiful expression of the Eucharistic Lord for his people.” In addition to bringing together faithful from the parish communities of St. Helena and St. Ambrose the procession brought together members from other parishes as well. Mrs. Mariette Matos a parishioner of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Philadelphia and faculty member at St. Helena-Incarnation Catholic School reflected, “I am so happy to have been part of such a beautiful and sacred experience as we walked through the Olney Community in unity. Having the Blessed Sacrament accompanying us in this procession is such a powerful reminder of Jesus’ love, sacrifice, and His constant companionship in our lives. We never walk alone.”
This article was featured on Catholic Philly on October 15, 2024.