Parishes across the diocese and the world held Corpus Christi processions
By William Van de Planque | On Mission
Photos by Andrew Bott | For On Mission
Bishop Ricken celebrated Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and led the Corpus Christi procession that followed on Sunday, June 22, 2025, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.
Bishop Ricken spoke in his homily about the “33 Days to Eucharistic Glory” book by Matthew Kelly and the consecration in which the Diocese of Green Bay was encouraged to participate during the Easter season.
He read the consecratory prayer and invited those present to join him in renewing their consecration.
“As the disciples walked with Jesus… (he) is here with us,” Bishop Ricken said. “The same Jesus, risen and victorious, walks with us on pilgrimage where we claim this whole territory for Christ and dedicate every soul within this parish jurisdiction to the love of God.”
Bishop Ricken reminded the faithful of the truths echoed in Pope Leo XIV’s Corpus Christi homily on June 22, 2025.
From Pope Leo XIV – Homily for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, 2025:
The Eucharist, in fact, is the true, real, and substantial presence of the Savior, who transforms bread into himself in order to transform us into himself. Living and life-giving, the Corpus Domini makes us, the Church herself, the Body of the Lord.
For this reason, echoing the Apostle Paul the Second Vatican Council teaches that “in the sacrament of the Eucharistic bread, the unity of believers, who form one body in Christ, is both expressed and achieved. All are called to this union with Christ, who is the light of the world, from whom we come, through whom we live, and towards whom we direct our lives”.
The procession that we are about to undertake is a sign of that journey. Together, as shepherds and flock, we will feed on the Blessed Sacrament, adore him, and carry him through the streets. In doing so, we will present him before the eyes, the consciences, and the hearts of the people. To the hearts of those who believe, so that they may believe more firmly; to the hearts of those who do not believe, so that they may reflect on the hunger present within them and the bread that alone can satisfy it.
Strengthened by the food that God gives us, let us bring Jesus to the hearts of all, because Jesus involves everyone in his work of salvation by calling each of us to sit at his table. Blessed are those who are called, for they become witnesses of this love.
Click here to see more photos of the Mass and procession at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Corpus Christi Parish, Sturgeon Bay: https://onmiss.io/corpuschristi2025