A Grace-Filled Procession of Hope

Last weekend, on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, parishioners from both of our collaborative parishes came together in one of the most visible and grace-filled acts of public faith our towns have seen in many years. After celebrating Sunday Mass together at St. Mary church, we followed the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic procession—across Route 1A, past the Wrentham Town Hall, around the town common, back to the church’s Mary Gar-den, into the church for solemn benediction and downstairs for a delicious meal courtesy of Cafe Assisi. All along the way we were praying, singing, and offering witness that Jesus walks with His people. At each of seven prayer stations, we paused to reflect on one of the virtues that strengthen us as disciples, all leading to the hope-filled reminder that in this Jubilee Year 2025, we are truly “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The spiritual blessings Christ bestowed upon us were many: deeper reverence for the 
Eucharist, greater unity across our parishes, and a renewed joy in walking together in faith. In a time when it is so easy to feel fragmented or isolated, this procession reminded us that Holy Communion is not just something we receive—it is a sacred bond that unites us to Christ and to one another.

Such a large and joyful procession would not have been possible without the help of dozens of parishioners and civic partners. I want to express deep appreciation to Father Patrick and Deacon Tom for their leadership, to the whole planning committee, to the Wrentham Select Board and Police Department for approving and safeguarding our route, and to all who served behind the scenes or along the way: altar servers, music ministers, bell ringers, sign makers and holders, head ushers and guides, meal servers, our own photographers and videographers as well as those from Cable 8, and especially the Knights of Columbus.

Finally, thank you to all who participated in person, online, in prayer and sacrifice. We un-derstand the inconvenience of merging Sunday Masses and realize that several didn’t know or remember this despite our best efforts to get the word out. We won’t make merged Mass-es a common occurrence, but it was necessary and appropriate for this special occasion. We intended to livestream the entire event, but technical difficulties prevented the remote cameras from live broadcast. They were able to record the procession, though, and that video will be available at a later date - meanwhile, enjoy the great photos on our website!

May the graces of this sacred day continue to bear fruit in our lives as we go forward, al-ways as Pilgrims of Hope.
With gratitude