ETHNIC communities were thanked for the spiritual life they have injected into Brisbane archdiocese at last Sunday’s annual Corpus Christi procession at Indooroopilly, in Brisbane’s west.
In his homily, Bishop Emeritus John Gerry praised those ethnic communities who were part more than 2000 worshippers gathered at Nudgee Junior College.
He spoke of “the life” they added to the Church in Brisbane.
Among the eight priests present was Jesuit Father Gregory Jordan.
“It was a very joyful and colourful celebration of the feast,” Fr Jordan said.
He said various ethnic groups led the decades of the Rosary including those from Korea, Vietnam, India, Africa and Spain.
The Rosary was prayed during the procession, followed by Benediction and other prayers.
Fr Jordan also praised “the Samoan contingent” gathered in “big numbers” and Bishop Gerry’s homily given “con amore” (with love).
“Bishop Gerry spoke ‘con amore’ of the Eucharist,” Fr Jordan said.
“He said in his whole priestly life it had been a major thing.”
Brisbane schools were also represented.
A spokeswoman said the event said it was one of the largest attendances for the procession she had seen in several years.
“It was wonderful to see,” she said.
In Banyo-Nundah parish, on Brisbane’s northside, parish priest Fr Paul Chandler led a procession with the Blessed Sacrament around Corpus Christi church and St Joseph’s Primary School, Nundah.
In the Mass just prior Fr Chandler spoke of how to receive Jesus’ Body and Blood with reverence and in practical terms.
“The focus is on ‘receiving’ Jesus (and) not ‘taking’ him,” Fr Chandler said.
Corpus Christi Church remained opened for the day, allowing parishioners and visitors to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.
