Pontiff Promotes Corpus Christi Procession

VATICAN CITY, JUNE 11, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI invited all in Rome "to take part in great numbers" in the Corpus Christi procession this week.

The liturgical ceremonies surrounding Thursday's feast express "the faith and love of the Christian community for its Lord present in the Eucharist," the Pope said today after reciting the Angelus in St. Peter's Square.

The Bishop of Rome will celebrate Mass at 7 p.m. on the feast of Corpus Christi, in the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

At the end of Mass, "we will solemnly accompany the Most Holy Sacrament on the Via Merulana to St. Mary Major's Square, where I will impart the Eucharistic blessing," the Pontiff said.

The Vicariate of Rome announced that for two days preceding the celebration, 40 uninterrupted hours of Eucharistic adoration will be held in the Basilica of St. Mary Major.