While Pope Leo will be in Madrid for this year's feast of Corpus Christi, he still praised the traditional processions that characterize this feast in many parts of the world.
At the end of the June 3 general audience, in greetings to Polish-speaking pilgrims, he said:
Starting with the Feast of Corpus Christi and in the days that follow, you will pay special homage to Christ present in the Eucharist. May participation in the Eucharistic processions – especially by families, children, and young people – be a courageous witness to the faith and remind everyone that God is present among his people and accompanies them in their daily lives. I bless you all!
Pope Leo's presence in the Spanish capital for Corpus Christi will spotlight that country's elaborate and centuries-old processions. Huge processional monstrances that date back hundreds of years are carried (or rolled) through the streets, oftentimes accompanied by miles-long processions of particular themes.
