Celebrating the Most Blessed Sacrament at Corpus Christi

United with Catholics worldwide, the parish celebrated the Solemnity of Corpus Christi on Sunday, 11 June 2023. It was a day of giving thanks and showing reverence for the greatest gift the Lord has given us, His own body and blood for our sustenance until the end of time.

The day began with adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament at NBVM Church, where the faithful took turns spending quiet time with the Lord throughout the morning. Towards the end of the 3-hour period, Fr Andrew Manickam led everyone in a reflection on the healing of the paralytic (John 5:1–9). The session culminated with benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist

Celebrations continued at 6 pm with a multilingual Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Andrew and Fr Dom. In his homily, Fr Andrew shared a touching personal story. As a young priest, he was called to a welfare home to attend to a parishioner who was nearing the end of her life. Initially pressed for time, he planned a brief visit, asking her how he could help. Her response surprised him.

The parishioner simply asked Fr Andrew to sit with her for a while. She didn’t ask for grand gestures or miracles. All she wanted was someone to be present with her in her final hours. This request made such an impact that he decided to clear his other appointments and stayed by her side until she peacefully passed away.

Upon returning to his parish, he went to adore the Blessed Sacrament. There he heard a gentle voice echoing in his heart. It was the voice of the Lord, reminding him of something profound: “I remained with you, shouldn’t you therefore remain with those who need you?”

This experience made Fr. Andrew realise the link between the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and our own presence for others. In the Eucharist, we believe that Jesus is truly present, offering us His love and companionship. He remains with us, guiding and supporting us on our life’s journey. In the same way, we are called to be present for those who need us—our family, friends, neighbours and even strangers.

God is with us always

In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses reassures the Israelites that God was present with them throughout their journey. Despite their hunger and thirst, God provided manna from heaven and water from the rock to sustain them. It was a tangible sign of God’s care and faithfulness.

Similarly, we often find ourselves in our own deserts—moments of emptiness or uncertainty. In those times, we may question if God is truly present. We may yearn for signs or reassurances along our path.

But the truth is, He has never abandoned us. In fact, He draws even closer to His people during those times of desert-like experiences. Just as He provided for the Israelites, He continues to provide for us, offering His presence, His love and His guidance.

The visible sign of God’s presence among us is beautifully manifested in the Eucharist. The Nicene Creed reminds us of the truth that Jesus, the Son of God, took on human flesh, born of the Virgin Mary and dwelt among us. This is the mystery of the Incarnation—the embodiment of God’s love and presence in our world.

However, familiarity can sometimes breed complacency, and we may take for granted the significance of this truth. We recite the words of the Creed without fully grasping the depth of what it means for God to become man and walk among us.

“Jesus is waiting for us in the Blessed Sacrament, eagerly desiring our presence and our participation in prayer. The only way we can truly fail in prayer is if we don’t show up”. – Fr Thomas Keating

Jesus yearns to meet us where we are. Will we show up? The choice is ours, and in our decision to show up, we open the door to a profound encounter with God on a deep and personal level.

Bringing Jesus to the people

After Communion, the Blessed Sacrament was taken on a procession through the main road and streets. The procession left the church, led by altar servers and followed by flower girls and candle boys, and the congregation. With lit candles in hand, the faithful sang hymns and prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the Rosary while walking on the streets in an orderly manner. Fr Andrew and Fr Dom took turns to carry the Monstrance bearing the Blessed Sacrament while altar servers continuously incensed the Blessed Sacrament. The procession, which lasted about half an hour, concluded with benediction back in church.

The celebrations were truly a wonderful way to be a witness of our faith in the world today and to renew the wonder and joy for the Lord’s wonderful gift to us, the Eucharist.  

For more photos, please click on the following links

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-0n45tiD2bh8eQ-EFAZWFJB9sIMLdtez

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1921vWhJMJhBz9E5jgeCM5e7a-3rUwsqq