Taking the Lord out as a Public Witness to the Faith

July 17, 2025

Father Daniel Adjei holds up the Eucharist

Bishop William Joensen will celebrate Mass and lead a Eucharistic procession on Saturday, Aug. 16 in Audubon. All are invited.

Participants are invited to park at Albert the Bull Park, where they’ll find the world’s largest bull sculpture, in Audubon. A shuttle will take them from the park to St. Patrick Church for 9 a.m. Mass. Then the Eucharistic procession will go back to the park after Mass. It is about a one-mile walk. There will be no shuttle service from the church going back to the park. If you’re not able to do the walk, feel free to drive to St. Patrick Church, at 116 E. Division St. in Audubon, and then drive to the park afterward for a reception and fellowship.

Here is the schedule:

  • 8:20–8:50 a.m. – Shuttle from Albert the Bull in the park to St. Patrick Church
  • 9–9:45 a.m. – Mass at St. Patrick
  • 9:45–10:25 a.m. – Eucharistic Procession to Albert the Bull
  • 10:25–10:30 a.m. – Benediction
  • 10:30–11:30 a.m. – Reception and fellowship

The U.S. bishops in 2022 launched a three-year Eucharistic Revival to emphasize the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. As part of the revival, there has been an emphasis on Eucharistic processions. The Diocese has begun a tradition of summer processions, now in its fourth year.

Father Thomson Thomas processes through Osceola in celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi.

Father Trevor Chicoine, director of the diocesan Office of Divine Worship, answered questions about Eucharistic processions and why the Catholic Church holds them.

What is a Eucharistic procession?
A Eucharistic procession is a way of remembering the Lord is always with us. We take the Lord out into the street into the highways and byways of life, which is both a public witness to our faith and a reminder to us that faith doesn’t stop at the door of the Church.

What is the purpose of a procession?
We hold processions to be witnesses and to remind us that the Lord is present everywhere. He is not only to be worshipped on Sundays.

How should people approach participating in a Eucharistic procession?
Usually there is walking involved with the faithful following the Eucharist. Sometimes there are structured prayers like the rosary, or there may be quiet prayer. 

What should people’s takeaways be from the Eucharistic procession?
We should have the courage to publicly witness to our faith. People can see that we are Catholic without imposing anything. Also, that our faith should matter at home, work, and school as much as it does at church.