2021 Commemorative Issue

SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

South Texas

Catholic CO M M E M O RAT I V E

ISSU E

2021 FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI

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In the Eucharist, we contemplate and worship the God of love. The Lord who breaks no one, yet allows himself to be broken. The Lord who does not demand sacrifices, but sacrifices himself. The Lord who asks nothing but gives everything.”

Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD Director of Communications Julie Stark jstark@diocesecc.org Managing Editor Mary Cottingham mcottingham@diocesecc.org

Theological Consultant Ben Nguyen, MTS, JCL/JD, D.Min (ABD) bnguyen@diocesecc.org Communications Specialist Elizabeth Morales emorales@diocesecc.org

INSIDE

Correspondents Jesse De Leon and Rebecca Esparza Translator/Correspondent Gloria Romero

3 | BISHOP’S MESSAGE The Holy Spirit calls us to renewal

Photographers Chloe Rodriguez and Ervey Martinez Manage Subscriptions If you or someone you know would like to receive the South Texas Catholic Contact us at (361) 882-6191 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi TX 78401-0824 stc@diocesecc.org

6 | TRAVELING MONSTRANCE Unites parishes, spearheads feast day

8 | WELCOME

In spite of torrential rains, plans continue for the Feast of Corpus Christi

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10 | CITY RECOGNITION

Mayor delivers the City Proclamation

CALENDAR ITEMS Submit your announcements by using our online form, e-mail, mail or drop it off at the Chancery office.

All calendar items will appear on the South Texas Catholic website at southtexascatholic.com or on the diocesan website at diocesecc.org.

12 | HOLY HOURS

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14 | ADORATION

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Retired priests give homilies on The Word Twelve biblical reasons for wanting to spend an hour in adoration

16 | HISTORY

The Feast of Corpus Christi, through the years

18 | DÍA FESTIVO

Corpus Christi, celebración que honra al ‘alma de la Iglesia, La Eucaristía’

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21 | FEAST DAY

Celebration honors the soul of the Church, the Eucharist

22 | EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES Eucharistic miracles drive faith-filled Catholics to share stories

26 | VENERABLE CARLO ACUTIS and His love for the Eucharist 29 | ADORACIÓN Doce razones bíblicas para querer pasar una hora en adoración 30 | BLESSED IMELDA LAMBERTINI She lived to receive Jesus 32 | WE ARE MANY PARTS OF ONE BODY Photos of the past 35 | SPECIAL THANKS To those who made this feast day possible 36 | EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS Save the dates

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

The Holy Spirit calls us to renewal

By Bishop Michael Mulvey Bishop of Corpus Christi

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“We need to enlarge our hearts. We need to break out of the small room of our ego and enter the vast expanse of wonder and adoration.” ~ Pope Francis

ith great love, joy, and devotion, we gathered as a Diocesan Family to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi this past June. Together we gave honor and praise to the “SOUL” of the Church. Thank you for your contributions and participation.

Each one of us approaches and receives the Eucharist as an individual, but the Eucharist is given to “us.” It is the Eucharist that makes us the Body of Christ, the Church.

We do not know who we are when we ignore, take for granted, or disrespect the Eucharist as the living soul of our Christian existence. Without the understanding of what we receive or better who we receive, life loses its meaning.

Work becomes a task, illness is seen as a curse, life loses dignity –even life in the womb– and death becomes something to fear. Divisions and differences easily take root among us.

As we receive the Eucharist, I invite us to become aware that all the differences we can point out should not and cannot exist if we are the Body of Christ, united in him. I pray that as the Diocese of Corpus Christi we will experience evermore the living

presence of Jesus in the Sacrament of the Eucharist and be certain that when each of us receives the Eucharist, we are bound together in a spiritual bond. “Who can separate us from the love of Christ,” (Romans 8:35), only ourselves.

I believe the Holy Spirit is calling us to a renewal as the Body of Christ, not only in our diocese, but throughout the Church. The world is divided.

We cannot be divided. We are the soul of humanity. Jesus gave us his Body and Blood so that our life together, as a Catholic community, as disciples of Jesus Christ, would be a witness to those who have lost their way.

We thank God for the Eucharist, the Sacrament of life, love, and unity. Let us take courage. Let us let the Eucharist be the core of our being, define who we are, and be people who can point to God simply by how we live our lives.

In 2022 the diocese will celebrate its 110th Anniversary. It is with joy that I invite you to the Eucharistic Congress that will take place on June 24 and June 25, 2022. Let us come together then as family and witness to the world that the Eucharist is our soul, our nourishment and our way forward.

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El Espíritu Santo nos llama a renovarnos Por Obispo Michael Mulvey Obispo de Corpus Christi

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on gran amor, alegría y devoción, nos reunimos como familia diocesana para celebrar la Fiesta de Corpus Christi el pasado mes de junio. Juntos dimos honor y alabanza al “ALMA” de la Iglesia. Gracias por sus contribuciones y participación.

Cada uno de nosotros se acerca y recibe la Eucaristía como individuo, pero la Eucaristía se nos da a un “nosotros”. Es la Eucaristía la que nos convierte en el Cuerpo de Cristo, la Iglesia.

No sabemos quiénes somos cuando ignoramos, damos por sentado o no respetamos la Eucaristía como el alma viviente de nuestra existencia cristiana. Sin la comprensión de lo que recibimos o mejor dicho a

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–Quién- recibimos, la vida pierde su sentido. El trabajo se convierte en una tarea, la enfermedad se ve como una maldición, la vida pierde dignidad, -incluso la vida en el útero-, y la muerte se convierte en algo a lo que hay que temer. Las divisiones y diferencias se arraigan fácilmente entre nosotros.

Al recibir la Eucaristía, les pido, nos invitemos a tomar conciencia de que todas las diferencias que podemos señalar, queden fuera, no deben ni pueden existir entre nosotros, si en verdad somos el Cuerpo de Cristo y estamos unidos en El. Es mi oración, que, como Diócesis de Corpus Christi, experimentemos cada vez más la presencia viva de Jesús en el Sacramento |

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En la Eucaristía contemplamos y adoramos al Dios de amor. Al Señor que no lastima o hiere a nadie, pero si permite que lo lastimen y lo hieran. Al Señor que no exige sacrificios, sino que se sacrifica a sí mismo. Al Señor que no pide nada pero lo da todo”.

GLORIA ROMERO | FOR STC

~ Papa Francisco

de la Eucaristía y tengamos la certeza de que cuando cada uno de nosotros recibe la Eucaristía, se está uniendo a los demás en un vínculo espiritual de Unidad con El. “Quién podrá separarnos del amor de Cristo” (Romanos 8:35). Solo nosotros.

Creo que el Espíritu Santo nos está llamando a una renovación como Cuerpo de Cristo, no solo como diócesis, sino como Iglesia. El mundo está dividido. No podemos estar divididos. Somos el alma de la humanidad. Jesús nos dio su Cuerpo y su Sangre para que nuestra vida en unión, como comunidad católica, como discípulos de Jesucristo, podamos dar testimonio a aquellos que se han extraviado.

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Damos gracias a Dios por la Eucaristía, Sacramento de vida, amor y unidad.

Tomemos fuerza y coraje. Dejemos que la Eucaristía sea el centro de nuestro ser, defina quiénes somos y seamos personas a quienes puedan señalar, que apuntan hacia Dios, simplemente por la forma en que vivimos nuestras vidas.

En 2022, la diócesis celebrará su 110 aniversario. Con alegría los invito al Congreso Eucarístico que tendrá lugar los días 24 y 25 de junio de 2022. Reunámonos entonces como familia y demos testimonio al mundo de que la Eucaristía es nuestra alma, nuestro alimento y nuestro camino a seguir. |

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Traveling Monstrance unites parishes, spearheads feast day

By Rebecca Esparza Correspondent

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or the past 66 years, Richard Quijas has been a faithful parishioner at Our Lady Star of the Sea on North Beach. During a recent Holy Hour Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at his church in May, he became emotional.

It was not the typical adoration hour; the parish was hosting the arrival of a Traveling Monstrance that had already visited numerous parishes across the Diocese of Corpus Christi in preparation for the Feast of Corpus Christi celebration.

“Today was a special day for our church, and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything,” Quijas said, with tears building up in his eyes. “I felt our Lord’s presence, and I honestly believe we all received special blessings for attending. I was here not only for myself, but representing members of my family who could not be here, as well.”

Father Roy Kalayil, the pastor at Our Lady Star of the Sea, said the significance of the Traveling Monstrance serves as a reminder that we are one community, under one diocese and one bishop.

“This is why the Monstrance is visiting multiple parishes in our diocese during the five months leading up to the Feast of Corpus Christi,” he explained. “It reminds us that we are not alone, we support each other, and we need to pray together to bring more meaning to the Holy Eucharist.”

The unique monstrance previously belonged to Most Rev. Francis X. Krautbauer, the second bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

A few days after North Beach, the Traveling Monstrance visited Holy Family on the city’s Westside.

Father Jose Salazar said having a significant religious object pulls together communities, reminds us of our connectivity, and helps us remember those no longer with us.

“We have exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every week, but it’s normally held in our small chapel,

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so it was a joy to have it in the larger church where more people could gather in reverence,” Father Salazar said.

Father Salazar added that activities like the Traveling Monstrance are one of the most effective ways to pull the Diocese of Corpus Christi together to prepare for the Eucharistic Congress next year.

“I think this has given us a deeper sense of unity and communion with one another. We are all so busy, so taking time to pause for a moment brings us closer to the reality and mystery of Christ’s presence. We are all running in a million directions, but when we stop, we are one in Christ,” he added.

Yvonne Solis Recio, a born and raised parishioner at Holy Family, said she appreciated the opportunity to attend Holy Hour during the Traveling Monstrance’s visit to her parish.

“It was a wonderful evening spent in silence, prayer and joyful celebration. This was an additional opportunity to pray for an increase in all vocations.

I think we all understand how timely and necessary that is,” she said. “We are so thankful we were able to host a Holy Hour spent in the presence of Jesus.”

Omar J. Pena, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #5348 at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Church in Premont, said he and other parishioners were honored to have hosted the Traveling Monstrance at their smaller, rural parish.

“This was such an honor to be part of something much larger than just our parish. In reality, this was much larger than even the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

So, the Feast of Corpus Christi is special to the Church as a whole. And for those who were not able to attend the Feast of Corpus Christi festivities, having so many parishes across the diocese where the monstrance visited helped us all feel connected,” Pena added. To view all the parishes the Traveling Monstrance visited go to feastofcc.org.

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REBECCA ESPARZA | FOR STC

Father Roy Kalayil, the pastor at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, places the Eucharist inside the Traveling Monstrance for Holy Hour and Adoration.

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“I truly believe that we need to continue to lead people to our Lord for he is the answer to all our problems. We are lost when we lose sight of our Lord in the Eucharist.

The Eucharistic Miracles from around the world is a great reminder of God’s love for us and that he is still with us, the ‘Incarnate Word.’” ~ Jaime Reyna 8

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MARY COTTINGHAM | STC

Jaime Reyna opened the event with a welcome to individuals at the international Feast of Corpus Christi celebration and recognized churches in countries who celebrated the same day, such as Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Germany, Haiti, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Venezuela. In his welcoming address, Reyna also introduced the agenda and different speakers for the day.

In spite of torrential rains, plans continue for the Feast of Corpus Christi

By Elizabeth Morales South Texas Catholic

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s the week of June 3 approached, the diocesan celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi coincided with a potentially crucial schedule change due to inclement weather.

Thunderstorms threatened to cancel the Eucharistic Procession, which guaranteed the attendance of many parishes, ministry groups, and individuals who had planned to participate.

Jaime Reyna, Coordinator of the Feast of Corpus Christi and his team, applied for a city permit in advance to process throughout the streets of downtown Corpus Christi and submitted a map route. With the city’s approval, the roads were ready for the procession with stops at the County Jail and Mother Teresa Shelter.

Efforts to coordinate a bus and golf carts for those who could not walk were also made, and a sound team was provided to ensure participants would hear singing, praying, and announcements during the procession amidst the rush hour traffic. Additionally, the police department would provide a safe passage for participants, as the streets would not be closed, but the procession would be protected in one lane.

Organizing and promoting the procession with weather that could easily have changed from rain in the morning to sunny skies in the afternoon required much time and preparation.

The decision to cancel the outside procession altogether was not made easily.

Clergy, coordinators, and volunteers remained flexible and patient to see how the WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

weather would turn out once the specific evening time frame for the procession arrived.

The day began with clear blue skies, and there was a chance it would remain that way, but by late afternoon torrential rain hit the area around the time the procession was supposed to begin. Alas, after the final 5 p.m. Holy Hour, the decision was made to hold the Eucharistic Procession inside Corpus Christi Cathedral with Vespers, a reflection from Bishop Mulvey and close with Benediction.

Although the procession was originally arranged to be outdoors, the impact of the indoor Eucharistic Procession was still powerful to many participants. “Seeing the people’s reaction was just as powerful because people were able to witness an inside procession [they] had not seen before,” Reyna said.

With hundreds of people in attendance, Reyna believes the witness of faith that was intended to happen outside still occurred and even allowed for a more close-up encounter with the Lord. “It was just as beautiful having it inside, seeing our Lord in a procession where we knelt as He passed us by,” Reyna said.

Reyna said he is looking forward to better weather for next year’s outdoor Eucharistic Procession. |

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This statue of Captain Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda stands on a grassy area between Agnes and Laredo streets in Corpus Christi.

Mayor delivers the City Proclamation Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo, who is also a parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, presents Bishop Michael Mulvey with the city proclamation for the feast day. Bishop Mulvey accepts the proclamation and thanked Mayor Guajardo for her presence and for personally delivering the City’s Proclamation: naming June 3, 2021, as “Feast of Corpus Christi Day.” The Proclamation reads: “Today, on behalf of the city of Corpus Christi, I’m very proud to be here before you in the Catholic Church to read a proclamation for the event and for what today stands for,” Mayor Guajardo said. Reading the city proclamation she said, “Whereas, the Roman Catholic Church and the Diocese of Corpus Christi celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi held annually every June to honor the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament; and “Whereas, in 1519, the explorer Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda discovered a lush semi-tropical bay on what is now the southern coast of Texas. This lush semi-tropical bay was discovered on the Roman Catholic feast day of Corpus Christi; and

“Now, therefore, pursuant to the powers vested in me as Mayor of the city of Corpus Christi, I do hereby proclaim, June 3, 2021, Feast of Corpus Christi Day in Corpus Christi, Texas, and I encourage all citizens to join me in celebrating the naming of our city and the great celebration of the Roman Catholic Church.

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MARY COTTINGHAM | STC

“Whereas, this area, as well as the Diocese of Corpus Christi, was named for the Feast of Corpus Christi.

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The Word, La Palab

Holy Hour

The Word of God is Alive

Holy Hours were held every hour before the procession at this year’s Feast of Corpus Christi.

“Jesus is the image of the invisible God. To see what God is like, know what God is about, and know how God wants us to live and act, we look to Jesus – the Word of God – living.

Retired priests from parishes throughout the diocese give reflections on the Word during each Holy Hour. Pictured below, from left, are Msgr. Mark Chamberlin, Father José Salazar, Father Matthew Stephan, Msgr.

Seamus McGowan and Msgr.

Marcos Martinez.

“The Eucharist is the center of our spiritual life. The Eucharist is our opportunity to grow.

The Eucharist is what helps us become what we need to become.

Above each photo is a short excerpt from their homilies.

La Palabra de Dios está viva

“Jesús es la imagen del Dios invisible. Para ver cómo es Dios, saber de qué se trata Dios y saber cómo Dios quiere que vivamos y actuemos, miramos a Jesús, la Palabra de Dios, vivo.

Sacerdotes jubilados de diferentes parroquias de la diocese dar reflexiones sobre la Palabra.

En las fotos de abajo, de izquierda a derecha Msgr. Mark Chamberlin, Father José Salazar, Father Matthew Stephan, Msgr. Seamus McGowan and Msgr. Marcos Martinez.

“La Eucaristía es el centro de nuestra vida espiritual.

La Eucaristía es nuestra oportunidad para crecer.

La Eucaristía es lo que nos ayuda a convertirnos en lo que necesitamos ser”. ~ Msgr. Mark Chamberlin

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The Word Leads to Advocacy

“In his great mercy and goodness, the Lord continues to reach for us all our lives... especially in the Eucharist, where he gives us the very sustenance for growing and our desire to do what is good, right and true.

“He affords us the ability to stand and become his advocate for what is real, for what is love, for what is good. God calls us to that.

La palabra conduce a la defensa

“En su gran misericordia y bondad, el Señor continúa alcanzándonos a lo largo de nuestra vida, especialmente en la Eucaristía, donde nos da el sustento mismo para crecer y nos anima el deseo de hacer lo bueno, lo correcto y lo verdadero.

“Él nos brinda la capacidad de defendernos y convertirnos en sus defensores de lo que es real, de lo que es amor, de lo que es bueno. Dios nos llama a ello.” ~ Father Jose Salazar

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bra The Word was God

“On the day of the Resurrection, Two of Jesus’ disciples were walking away from Jerusalem. They were downcast. A strange man appears and walking with them, begins to speak. His words pierce their hearts.

“They hear his words, but they still did not recognize the Lord. Before eating with them, he took the bread, broke it, blessed it, and suddenly they recognized Him. He left us His Word.

He left himself in the Eucharist.

El Verbo era Dios

“En el día de la Resurrección, dos de los discípulos de Jesús se alejaban de Jerusalén. Estaban abatidos. Aparece un hombre extraño y, caminando con ellos, comienza a hablar. Sus palabras traspasan sus corazones.

“Escuchan sus palabras, pero aún no reconocen al Señor. Antes de comer con ellos, tomó el pan, lo partió, lo bendijo y de repente lo reconocieron.

Nos dejó Su Palabra. Se dejó a sí mismo en la Eucaristía”. ~ Father Matthew Stephan

The Word is Useful for Teaching

“There comes a time in our lives when we think we can’t go any further. My dear friends, you are going to fall, but the important thing is to get up.

That’s why Jesus fell many times to teach you and I that we always get up.

“The ‘Way of the Cross’ reminds us of that. That he’s a God of mercy, a God of love. To know Him, to love Him and serve Him is the purpose of our existence.”

La palabra es útil para enseñar

“Llega un momento en nuestras vidas en el que pensamos que no podemos ir más lejos. Mis queridos amigos, ustedes se van a caer, yo me voy a caer, pero lo importante es levantarse. Por eso Jesús se cayó muchas veces para enseñarnos a ti y a mí que siempre nos levantamos.

“El ‘Vía Crucis’ nos recuerda eso.

Que él es un Dios de misericordia, un Dios de amor. Conocerlo, amarlo y servirlo es el propósito de nuestra existencia”.

The Word Makes us Wise

“By listening to His Word, we can enter into the intimacy of the heart of Jesus and from there take strength and courage so that he gives us the intelligence and love to do good in the midst of so much need – strength to evangelize and transmit the Faith that we have.”

“Today we have the great opportunity to be here with Jesus.

Let us really be with Him.” La palabra nos hace sabios

“Escuchando su Palabra, podemos entrar en la intimidad del corazón de Jesús y de allí tomar fuerza y coraje para que nos dé la inteligencia y el amor para hacer el bien en medio de tanta necesidad - fuerza para evangelizar y transmitir la Fe que tenemos ”.

“Hoy tenemos la gran oportunidad de estar aquí con Jesús. Estemos realmente con Él “.

~ Msgr. Seamus McGowan

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~ Msgr. Marcos Martinez

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Twelve biblical reasons for wanting to spend an hour in adoration

Catholic News Agency

1. He is really there!

“I myself am the living bread come down from heaven.” (Jn 6:35) 2. Day and night Jesus dwells in the Blessed Sacrament because of his Infinite love for you!

“Behold I will be with you always even to the end of the world,” because “I have loved you with an everlasting love, and constant is my affection for you.” (Mt 28:20; Jer 31:3) 3. The specific way that Jesus asks you to love him in return is to spend one quiet hour with him in the Blessed Sacrament.

“Where your treasure is, there is your heart....” “Could you not watch one hour with me?” (Mt 6:21; 26:40) 4. When you look upon the Sacred Host, you look upon Jesus, the Son of God. “Indeed, this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks upon the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life. Him I will raise up on the last day.” (Jn 6:40) 5. Each moment that you spend in His Eucharistic Presence will increase his divine life within you and deepen your personal relationship and friendship with him.

“I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly.” “I am the vine and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him shall bear much fruit because without me, you can do nothing.” (Jn 15:5) 6. Each hour you spend with Jesus will deepen his divine peace in your heart.

“Come to me all of you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will refresh you...” “Cast all of you anxieties upon the one who cares for you...”

“My Peace is My Gift to you.” (Mt 11:28; Pt 5:7; Jn 14:17) 14

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7. Jesus will give you all the graces you need to be happy!

“The Lamb on the throne will shepherd them. He will lead them to the springs of life-giving water.” (Rev 7:17) 8. Jesus is infinitely deserving of our unceasing thanksgiving and adoration for all he has done for our salvation.

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive honor, glory and praise.” (Rev. 5:12) 9. For peace in our country!

“When my people humble themselves and seek my presence... I will revive their land.” (2Chr 7:14) 10. Each hour you spend with Jesus on earth will leave your soul everlastingly more beautiful and glorious in heaven!

“They who humble themselves shall be exalted....” “All of us, gazing on the Lord’s glory with unveiled faces, are being transformed from glory to glory into his very image.” (Lk 18:14; 2Cor 3:18) 11. Jesus will bless you, your family and the whole world for this hour of faith you spend with Him in the Blessed Sacrament.

“Blessed are they who do not see and yet believe...” “Faith can move mountains...” “ What is needed is trust... “ “Behold I come to make all things new.” (Jn 20:29; Mk 11:23; Mk 5:36; Rev 21:5) 12. Each moment you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament brings joy, pleasure, and delight to his Sacred Heart!

“My joy, my pleasure, my delight is to be with you.” (Prov 8:31) WWEE AARREE TTHHEE BBOODDYY OOFF CCHHRRI S I STT | | CCOOMMMMEEMMOORRAATTI IVVEE I S I SSSUUEE 22002211

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The Feast of Corpus Christi, through the Years

By Julie Stark

South Texas Catholic

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“And we, though many, throughout the earth,we are one body in this one Lord,”

his is a love story seen through the lens of a pandemic (2020). But love transcends pandemics, and camera – the love story of a people united by it did not deter the faithful from celebrating in their ~ John Michael Talbot the Eucharist. These photographs tell a story of a faith- homes with their families via live streaming. ful people coming together to adore and celebrate the These snapshots show the love story that cannot be Feast of Corpus Christi (Solemnity of the Body and put into words eloquently enough, for it can only be Blood of Jesus Christ). They come with their joys and seen in their eyes and postures. The focus—always on their difficulties, their victories, and failures. Why do the Eucharist. The hands in silent prayer. They follow they gather? What brings them by the hundreds? Each the Lord shrouded in a simple wafer in the procession, photo depicts love expressed, love of the Lord in the real but this wafer surpasses what the eye can see. presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. They come to gather This love story is repeated and seen throughout the as a family united by this love of God. These faithful world, and only a quick Google of the words Feast of people of the Diocese of Corpus Christi understand that Corpus Christi will show the family of God gathered this love story was set into motion by God and that “we in the same manner as these depictions show. These love because He first loved us” (Jn 4:19). photos give us knowledge that the love of the Presence The pictures show the people of God in processions of Jesus in the Eucharist is real and is shared by the and adoration from the early 1900s through the pres- faithful worldwide. ent time. They also remind us of a time when only a See more photos at few could gather in person because of the COVID-19 southtexascatholic.com/feastofcc.

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La Fiesta de Corpus Christi, a través de los años Por Julie Stark

South Texas Catholic

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sta es una historia de amor vista a través del lente de una cámara: la historia de amor de un pueblo unido por la Eucaristía. Estas fotografías cuentan la historia de un pueblo fiel que se unió para adorar y celebrar la Fiesta del Corpus Christi (Solemnidad del Cuerpo y la Sangre de Jesucristo).

Ellos y ellas vienen con sus alegrías y dificultades, sus victorias y fracasos. ¿Por qué se reúnen? ¿Qué es lo que atrae a cientos de personas? Cada foto muestra la expresión de su amor al Señor, a la presencia real de Jesús en la Eucaristía. Vienen a reunirse como una gran familia, unida por su amor a Dios. Esta gente fiel de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi comprende que esta historia de amor fue puesta en marcha por Dios y que “amamos porque Él nos amó primero” (Jn 4:19).

Las imágenes muestran al pueblo de Dios en procesiones y adoración desde principios del siglo XX hasta la actualidad. También hablan de un momento en el que nadie pudo reunirse en persona debido a la pandemia de

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COVID-19 (2020). Pero el amor trasciende las pandemias y no impidió a los fieles celebrar desde sus hogares, con sus familias a través de transmisiones en vivo.

Estas instantáneas muestran la historia de amor que no se puede expresar con palabras lo suficientemente elocuentes, ya que solo se puede ver en sus ojos y en sus posturas.

El enfoque, siempre en la Eucaristía. Las manos en oración silenciosa. Siguen al Señor envuelto en una simple hostia que camina en la procesión, pero esta hostia supera lo que el ojo puede ver.

Esta historia de amor se repite y se ve en todo el mundo, y solo una rápida búsqueda en Google, de las palabras Fiesta de Corpus Christi mostrará a la familia de Dios reunida de la misma manera que muestran estas representaciones. Estas fotos nos dan a conocer que el amor de la Presencia de Jesús en la Eucaristía es real y es compartida por los fieles de todo el mundo.

Ver más fotos en southtexascatholic.com/feastofcc.

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Corpus Christi, celebración que honra al ‘alma de la Iglesia, La Eucaristía’ Por Gloria Romero

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a Diócesis de Corpus Christi se unió a los católicos del mundo entero, para celebrar el misterio central de la Fe Cristiana; la presencia real de Jesús en el Pan y en el Vino, en el Sacramento de la Eucaristía.

La presencia de Cristo Sacramentado fue conmemorada el jueves 3 de junio, en que la Catedral de Corpus Christi se vistió de fiesta para celebrar el día de su nombre, de su diócesis y de su ciudad: Corpus Christi, Cuerpo de Cristo, en si mismo el milagro de la Eucaristía.

Las puertas de la Catedral empezaron a recibir

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feligreses desde antes de las 11 de la mañana. Llegaba gente de todas partes, y de diferentes orígenes étnicos. Provenía, de parroquias y ciudades circunvecinas que son las que conforman la diócesis de Corpus Christi.

Dedicar un día del año para hacer una gran fiesta fue la misión de Jaime Reyna, Director de la Oficina del Ministerio Multicultural, quien por indicaciones del Obispo planeo anticipadamente y con todo detalle el ámbito de intimidad para pasar el día con Nuestro Señor.

Al dar la Bienvenida Reyna, explicó la secuencia

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en que ocurrirían los hechos. Primero se estableció la importancia del día con una Proclamación que la alcaldesa de la ciudad; Paulette Guajardo, presentó al Obispo Michael Mulvey, nombrando el 3 de junio de 2021 como el “Día de la Fiesta de Corpus Christi”. Un momento para la historia.

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varios sacerdotes y presidida por el Obispo Mulvey, quien en su homilía, fue acercando a la gente a un entendimiento del verdadero significado del misterio sacramental y dijo: “Entender la Eucaristía, es comprender la inmensidad del amor de Dios”, como dijo San Juan; ‘El amó a los suyos y los amó hasta el final.’”

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“Estos son tiempos importantes y emocionantes para mί. Y la fiesta de Corpus Christi, la realidad del Cuerpo y Sangre de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, que viene sobre este altar todos los días; es nuestro alimento, nuestra alma, nuestro camino a seguir”. ~ Obispo Michael Mulvey

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Una alegría especial se respiraba en el aire. Sonrisas y saludos por doquiera.

Se va quedando atrás el aislamiento por la pandemia y una cálida sensación de retornar a la gran familia, la familia de la Iglesia parecía sentirse en el ambiente.

“La Fiesta de Corpus Christi nos une a todos” dijo Celia Mendez a cargo de la oficina del Ministerio y Enriquecimiento de vida para personas con deseabilidades, cuyos miembros participaron interpretando la Palabra.

En la Unidad del Cuerpo de Cristo, cada parte de la Iglesia diocesana fue incorporada, así se incluyo el español y el lenguaje de señas (ASL)para sordomudos de manera que la Palabra siempre fuera comunicada.

“Todas nuestras oficinas diocesanas, escuelas católicas y parroquias de la Diócesis hacen que esta celebración sea una realidad”. “La Fiesta de Corpus Christi es el momento más apropiado para renovar nuestra fe en Dios y saber verdaderamente quienes somos, el Cuerpo de Cristo”. Dijo Jaime Reyna, coordinador del evento.

El Santísimo permaneció expuesto hasta las 6 de la tarde y durante esas cinco horas, se vivió una especie de retiro espiritual donde el tiempo parecía desaparecer de la conciencia de los feligreses. Cada hora fue acompañada de una corta lectura bíblica, que era tema de reflexión para el Sacerdote que presidia la Hora Santa, siempre acompañados por un coro diferente. Las lecturas las hicieron varios seminaristas y las reflexiones estuvieron a cargo de cinco sacerdotes retirados, quienes a través de recuerdos y meditaciones personales condujeron esas Horas Santas al encuentro intimo y profundo con El Maestro, Jesús.

“A veces las palabras del predicador nos tocan y deseamos encontrar en ellas el hilo que nos transforme. La Palabra la oración y sobre todo el alimento de Su Cuerpo y de Su Sangre, nos llaman humildemente al entendimiento del amor de Dios que nos transforma, no nada más para este momento, en este mundo sino para la eternidad” dijo el Padre José Salazar.

Del cielo calan cantaros de lluvia, razón por la cual, la procesión Eucarística tradicional se llevo a cabo en el interior de la Catedral. Así fue, como entre fanfarreas y cantos litúrgicos tradicionales, Sostenido por el Obispo Mulvey, Resguardado en una Custodia y acompañado por un cortejo de monaguillos, seminaristas, sacerdotes y diáconos, se sintió la presencia de Cristo entre los pasillos de la Catedral. Así entre Su pueblo. Los adjetivos no alcanzan para describir lo sagrado y emotivo del momento.

La ceremonia concluyo cuando el Obispo reverentemente impartió la Bendición con Jesús Sacramentado.

“Al final, como al final de la Solemne Liturgia Eucarística, solo el Amor permanecerá.” “Aún ahora, nuestras celebraciones Eucarísticas siguen transformando al mundo en la medida en que nosotros mismos, permitamos ser transformados, al convertirnos en el pan roto para otros” Dijo el Papa Francisco durante la Fiesta de Corpus Christi.

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Celebration honors the soul of the Church, the Eucharist

By Gloria Romero Contributor

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he Diocese of Corpus Christi joined Catholics throughout the world in celebrating the central mystery of the Christian faith, the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The International Feast of Corpus Christi was celebrated on June 3.

The event brought together hundreds of Catholics throughout the diocese. Remarkably, it is also a celebration of the name of our diocese, city, and cathedral.

It was a day spent with our Lord in Corpus Christi Cathedral, which included adoration, holy hours, Mass, an indoor procession, vespers and benediction and a Eucharistic Miracles exhibit in St. Joseph Hall.

Dedicating one day of the year to “throwing a big celebration” was the mission of Jaime Reyna, Director for the Office of Multicultural Ministry and coordinator of the event. At the behest of Bishop Michael Mulvey, Reyna planned every detail of the day in collaboration with many ministries and volunteers to bring about an atmosphere of intimacy with Christ among His people. They were people from all over and of different ethnic origins, but mainly from the surrounding parishes and cities that make up the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

The doors of the cathedral began to receive parishioners before 11 a.m. As people began to trickle in, Reyna welcomed attendees and described the upcoming events of the day.

Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo first established the day’s importance with a city proclamation presented to Bishop Michael Mulvey, naming June 3, 2021, as “Feast of Corpus Christi Day.” Following the proclamation, Bishop Mulvey presided over Mass, concelebrating with priests throughout the diocese. His homily gave people a deeper understanding of the meaning of the sacramental mystery.

“To understand the Eucharist is to understand the immensity of God’s love, as St. John said; ‘Having loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end’” (Jn 13:1).

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“We are human beings who share the soul that God has given us in Jesus Christ,” Bishop Mulvey said. His words came to life among the faithful.

The day’s celebration included many parts of one body, as some people dressed in traditional clothing celebrating their national or cultural identity.

With intention, the day included bilingual and Spanish-speaking priests and seminarians who gave readings and homilies in Spanish. The event also included Catholic Charities Ministry and Life Enrichment for Persons with Disabilities as American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters Maricela “Mari” Rivera and David Gaitan interpreted for the Deaf during the noon Mass. Terry Espinoza interpreted during the evening. Through them, the Word was communicated.

The Eucharist remained exposed until 6 p.m. and every hour leading up to the procession were times of spiritual reflection, centered on five biblical readings.

Retired priests presided over each holy hour. They gave a homily and shared stories of faith to lead the faithful to an intimate and profound encounter with Jesus before adoration. Each Holy Hour was always accompanied by live musician(s), and seminarians recited different readings from the Bible prepared ahead of time for reflection.

The traditional outdoor Eucharistic procession took place inside the cathedral as sheets of rain poured down from the sky. Accompanied by altar servers, seminarians, deacons and priests, Bishop Mulvey processed down the cathedral’s corridors as he reverently held up the monstrance that housed the Eucharist.

“We live in an important and exciting time; Jesus gave us his body and blood so that our life as a Catholic community, as disciples of Jesus Christ, is a testimony for those who have lost their souls, who have given their souls to other ideologies,” Bishop Mulvey said.

“The reality of the body and blood of Our Lord, which comes upon this altar every day, is our food, our soul and our way forward.”

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St. Joseph Hall featured four of the 130 approved Eucharistic Miracles of the World in this museum-like setting of banners available to attendees of the Feast of Corpus Christi throughout the day.

Eucharistic miracles driving faithfilled Catholics to share stories

By Rebecca Esparza Correspondent

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haron Longoria wishes the world would get excited about the Holy Eucharist, especially young people.

But sadly, a Pew Research Study from 2019 indicates the trend is leaning the opposite direction. In a frightening revelation for Catholics worldwide, the Pew Report found 69% of Catholics polled in the United States do not believe in transubstantiation, the belief that during Mass, the bread and wine used for

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Communion are the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Longoria is on a personal mission to change that statistic, at least for South Texans in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

“I’ve always believed in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It’s part of our Doctrine, and it’s what I grew up believing. But I also understand it as a profound mystery at the core of my faith,” she said. “There are some beautiful stories

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“ Sharon Longoria, from left, Mary Crabtree and Kathleen Huffmeyer decorate the entrance of St. Joseph Hall where they organized a display showcasing four Eucharistic Miracles.

about Eucharistic Miracles that span over two thousand years in the making, and my goal is to share these stories with as many people as possible.”

During the 2021 Feast of Corpus Christi, this year, Longoria and fellow volunteers Kathleen Huffmeyer and Mary Crabtree organized a display in St. Joseph Hall at the Corpus Christi Cathedral showcasing four Eucharistic Miracles.

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approved Eucharistic Miracles from around the world was no easy task, noted Longoria. They chose the Angel of Peace from Fatima; the bleeding host from Lanciano, Italy; St Juliana Falconieri’s Eucharistic Miracle at her deathbed; and the Eucharistic Miracle at Santarem.

“I consider the chance to work on this project a gift from God. We need to do more to educate our young children about the Real Presence, and I

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appreciate Bishop Mulvey for supporting our efforts to educate all Catholics about the Eucharistic Miracles,” she said. “Also, I appreciate Jaime Reyna from the Diocese’s Office of Social Ministry for allowing me to create this display.”

“I truly believe that we need to continue to lead people to our Lord for he is the answer to all our problems. We are lost when we lose sight of our Lord in the Eucharist,” Reyna said. “The Eucharistic Miracles from around the world is a great reminder of God’s love for us and that he is still with us in the Incarnate Word.”

Longoria and her husband, parishioners at St. Paul the Apostle in Flour Bluff, have seven children and 21 grandchildren. As she was gathering the posters for the Eucharistic Miracles exhibit, she assembled her grandchildren to listen as she explained each of the four miracles featured in full detail.

“They were mesmerized and couldn’t get enough,” Longoria said. “It made me take notice and realize we need to do a better job of educating our young children about these miracles, not only through religious education classes but at home,” she said.

Longoria suggests Catholic educators and even parents share the story of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who is poised to become the first millennial saint, as a way for young people to relate their faith to someone more like them. Blessed Carlo Acutis had a special devotion to God from an early age and is recognized for using his computer talents to evangelize his faith worldwide by creating a website showcasing all Eucharistic Miracles in multiple languages.

He died of leukemia one year later, offering his suffering for the pope and the Church.

“Carlo liked Pokemon, video games and soccer,” she added. “Relating to Carlo gives children the opportunity to understand we are all called to be saints, and we all have gifts and talents that should be used to build up God’s kingdom on earth.”

“The Eucharistic Miracles are a gift for us Catholics,” Longoria continued. “But we need to go a step beyond and continue sharing these stories. We need to enlighten our youth of what a great gift we have in these miracles. It’s about treasuring these gifts and passing them on from generation to generation for decades to come.”

Visit therealpresence.org to learn about the over 130 Eucharistic Miracles from around the world.

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~ St. Maximilian Kolbe on the Eucharist

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Venerable Carlo Acutis and

By Hannah Brockhaus Catholic News Agency

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enerable Carlo Acutis, an Italian teen whose beatification Pope Francis approved in 2020, is known for his gift for computer programming, but how he used those skills is what makes him an example of holiness, according to the postulator of his sainthood cause.

Carlo is known to have called the Eucharist his “highway to heaven.”

“We know about Carlo that one of his great pillars was the Eucharist and the other was the Madonna, the Virgin,” Nicola Gori, the postulator of Acutis’ cause for sainthood, told EWTN News.

From his adolescence, Carlo prayed the rosary daily and in addition to other devotions, frequently spent time in Eucharistic adoration. He said when “we face the sun we become tan... but when we place ourselves in front of the Eucharistic Jesus we become saints.”

Carlo died from a brain hemorrhage caused by leukemia in 2006 at the age 15. The summer after his 14th birthday, he spent researching Eucharistic miracles and creating a website to catalog and share the information with others.

“Carlo wanted people to approach the Eucharist and for this he used the internet,” Gori said. “One summer before his death, he went to look for where great Eucharistic miracles occurred in the world, those recognized by the Church, from the first Christian era to the present day.”

The website Carlo created was the genesis of The Eucharistic Miracles of the World, an international exhibition which highlights such occurrences.

Carlo, Gori said, was concerned by people growing distant to the Church and the sacraments, and he wanted to bring them back.

His website “is a call to shake consciences; say let’s go back to the essentials, let’s go back to filling the churches,” Gori explained, noting that beginning in his childhood Carlo brought people to Mass and to receive the sacraments with him.

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CATHOLIC NEWS AGENCY

“You come to me and unite Yourself intimately to me under the form of nourishment. Your Blood now runs in mine, Your Soul, Incarnate God, compenetrates mine, giving courage and support. What miracles! Who would have ever imagined such!”

d his love for the Eucharist

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Venerable Carlo Acutis y su amor por la Eucaristía Por Hannah Brockhaus Catholic News Agency

l venerable Carlo Acutis, un adolescente italiano cuya beatificación aprobó el Papa Francisco en 2020, es conocido por su don para la programación de computadoras, pero cómo usó esas habilidades es lo que lo convierte en un ejemplo de santidad, según el postulador de su causa de santidad.

Se sabe que Carlo llamó a la Eucaristía su “camino al cielo”.

“Sabemos de Carlo que uno de sus grandes pilares era la Eucaristía y el otro era la Madonna, la Virgen”, dijo a EWTN News Nicola Gori, postuladora de la causa de santidad de Acutis.

Desde su adolescencia, Carlo rezaba el rosario todos los días y, además de otras devociones, con frecuencia pasaba tiempo en la adoración eucarística. Dijo que “cuando nos ponemos de cara al sol nos bronceamos ... pero cuando nos ponemos delante de Jesús Eucarístico nos convertimos en santos”.

Carlo murió de una hemorragia cerebral causada por leucemia en 2006 a la edad de 15 años. El verano después de cumplir 14 años, pasó investigando milagros eucarísticos y creando un sitio web para catalogar y compartir la información con otros.

“Carlo quería que la gente se acercara a la Eucaristía y para eso usó Internet”, dijo Gori. “Un verano antes de su muerte, fue a buscar dónde ocurrían los grandes milagros eucarísticos en el mundo, los reconocidos por la Iglesia, desde la primera era cristiana hasta nuestros días”.

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Una mujer lee sobre Carlo Acutis, el niño cuyo sitio web fue el origen de Los milagros eucarísticos del mundo.

El sitio web creado por Carlo fue la génesis de Los milagros eucarísticos del mundo, una exposición internacional que destaca tales sucesos.

Carlo, dijo Gori, estaba preocupado por la gente que se alejaba de la Iglesia y los sacramentos y quería traerlos de vuelta.

Su sitio web “es un llamado a sacudir conciencias; digamos, volvamos a lo esencial, volvamos a llenar las iglesias ”, explicó Gori, señalando que desde su niñez, Carlo llevó a la gente a misa y a recibir los sacramentos con él.

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Doce Twelve Biblical reasons for wantingbíblicas to spend an hour in adoration razones para querer pasar una hora en Adoración Catholic News Agency

1. ¡El está ahí realmente!

“Yo mismo soy el pan vivo bajado del cielo”. (Jn 6, 35) 2. ¡Día y noche Jesús habita en el Santísimo Sacramento por su infinito amor por ti!

“He aquí, que estaré contigo siempre hasta el fin del mundo”, porque “te he amado con amor eterno, y constante, asί es mi afecto por ti”. (Mt 28:20; Jer 31: 3) 3. La manera específica en que Jesús te pide que lo ames, es a cambio de pasar una hora tranquila con El ante el Santísimo Sacramento.

“En donde está tu tesoro, ahí, esta tu corazón ...” “¿No podrías velar una hora conmigo?” (Mt 6:21; 26:40) 4. Cuando miras la Sagrada Hostia, miras a Jesús, el Hijo de Dios.

“En verdad, esta es la voluntad de mi Padre, que todo el que mira al Hijo y cree en El, tendrá vida eterna. A El lo resucitaré en el último día “. (Jn 6, 40) 5. Cada momento que pases en Su Presencia Eucarística aumentará su vida divina dentro de ti y profundizará tu relación personal y de amistad con El. “Yo he venido para que tengáis vida y la tengáis en abundancia”. “Yo soy la vid y ustedes son las ramas. El que permanece en mí y Yo en él, dará mucho fruto porque sin Mí no podéis hacer nada”. (Juan 15: 5) 6. Cada hora que pases con Jesús profundizará su paz divina en tu corazón.

“Vengan a mí todos los que están cansados y encuentran la vida pesada que Yo los refrescaré ...” “Tiren todas sus ansiedades sobre quien los cuida ...” “Mi paz es mi regalo para ustedes”. (Mt 11:28; P 5: 7; Jn 14:17) 7. ¡Jesús te dará todas las gracias que necesitas para ser feliz!

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“El Cordero en el trono será su pastor. El los conducirá a los manantiales de agua que da vida “.

(Apocalipsis 7:17) 8. Jesús es infinitamente merecedor de nuestro incesante agradecimiento y adoración por todo lo que ha hecho por nuestra salvación.

“Digno es el Cordero que fue inmolado para recibir honra, gloria y alabanza”. (Apocalipsis 5:12) 9. ¡Por la paz en nuestro país!

“Cuando mi pueblo se humille y busque mi presencia ... reviviré su tierra”. (2 Crónicas 7:14) 10. ¡Cada hora que pases con Jesús en la tierra dejará tu alma eternamente más hermosa y gloriosa en el cielo!

“Los que se humillan serán exaltados ...” “Todos nosotros, mirando la gloria del Señor con los rostros descubiertos, somos transformados de gloria en gloria a su misma imagen”. (Lc 18:14; 2Cor 3:18) 11. Jesús te bendecirá a ti, a tu familia y al mundo entero por esta hora de fe que pasas con Él en el Santísimo Sacramento.

“Bendecidos serán aquellos que sin ver, creen ...”

“La fe mueve montañas ...” “Lo que se necesita es confianza ...“ He aquí, que Yo vengo para hacer nuevas todas las cosas ”. (Jn 20:29; Mc 11:23; Mc 5:36; Apocalipsis 21: 5) 12. ¡Cada momento que pasas con Jesús en el Santísimo Sacramento trae alegría, placer y deleite a su Sagrado Corazón!

“Mi gozo, mi placer, mi deleite es estar contigo”.

(Proverbios 8:31)

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She lived to receive Jesus By the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation Contributor

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oes it seem strange, at a time when we are called to the weighty task of being “intensely Eucharistic,” that Dominicans should look back almost seven centuries to consider the example of a nine-year-old little girl? Not so strange, really; in fact, not at all! For wasn’t it Jesus Himself who loved to hold children up as the best example of what He was trying to teach us all to become?

And thus, we are not embarrassed to consult a little girl in our Dominican family tree and seek from her the meaning of the call to be “intensely Eucharistic.” Little Imelda Lambertini would not have given us a theological treatise on devotion to the Holy Eucharist. She would simply have told us of Jesus’ love in the Sacrament, and then suggest that we learn to know Him there, as she did.

Dominican tradition tells us that Imelda Lambertini was born of a noble family in Bologna, Italy in 1322.

Her parents raised

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her to love her Catholic faith, and through their influence she developed a love for prayer, especially for the Mass. Often she would attend Mass and Compline (Night Prayer of the Divine Office) at a nearby Dominican Church. Her mother also taught Imelda to cook and sew for the poor and cultivated in her child an eagerness to perform the corporal works of mercy.

Even so, her mother and father, both of whom were getting on in years, were surprised when Imelda asked permission at the tender age of nine to go to live with the Dominican nuns at a neighboring monastery. As difficult a decision as this was, her parents evidently sensed the depth of their child’s desire and entrusted her spiritual formation to the Dominicans at Val di Pietra.

At this distance of centuries and culture it is not easy to determine precisely what little Imelda’s status was at the convent. It seems she was well loved by the sisters, who allowed her to wear the Dominican habit, to pray with them, and to follow their way of life to the extent that a little girl would be able to do while still remaining a child. Imelda, we are told, longed (and intensely, it seems) to be allowed to receive Holy Communion with the nuns, but in that day such a thing would have been unheard of for a child her age. Her pleading was again and again gently refused, with the explanation that she would need to wait until she was older and more prepared. For a time Imelda had to be content

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SISTER MARY JUSTIN, OP

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“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 18:3).

Blessed Imelda Lambertini’s remains are kept in Bologna, Italy at the Church of San Sigismondo, beneath a wax effigy of her likeness. She is the Patroness of first Communicants and her feast day is May 13. Story and photo attributed to Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation. Visit nashvilledominican.org.

with this answer, meanwhile learning to chant Office from hearing the nuns in choir and developing her own interior prayer life in simple childlike ways. The saints, whose stories she had learned from her parents and from the nuns, became her “secret companions,” and probably had a hand in nurturing the longing she felt to receive Jesus intimately in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. In her private conversations with Jesus, with whom she was developing a deep friendship, we can imagine that she made known often her desire to be allowed to go to Communion. There is no evidence that He put up any opposition to the proposal—but neither did the sisters relent. And so Imelda continued, with the intensity of a child, to get to know Jesus more deeply, and to desire Him all the more.

As spring approached, the sisters, who perhaps thought that they had succeeded in diverting Imelda’s “childish fancy” to go to Communion with the grownups, were a bit startled when she asked again, shortly before the feast of the Ascension, to receive her First Holy Communion. (“Asked,” in fact, is not the word.

She begged them insistently, it seems.) When the chaplain was consulted, he agreed with the sisters and responded with no hesitation that Imelda was much too young. On the Vigil of the Ascension, Imelda was in her place in the chapel, quietly praying as the sisters received Communion. Then Jesus did a little WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

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“insisting” of His own. After Mass, as one of the nuns was clearing the altar, she heard a noise and looked up to the choir to see Imelda, a glowing light shining above her head, with the Sacred Host suspended in the light. The chaplain was called at once, and he understood that Jesus Himself was making his desire known. “Let the little children come to Me and do not stop them.” The priest gave Imelda her first Holy Communion.

We can well imagine that the nuns were amazed and thrilled both at the great blessing to their little one, and to their convent. The prioress allowed Imelda to remain for some time in thanksgiving, and then sent for her to come and have her breakfast. Imelda was still kneeling as they had left her, a smile on her face. Yet when called for, Imelda’s body was still. She had died of pure joy. Her thanksgiving had been well completed, and she had nothing left to desire.

Bl. Imelda’s story is so well entrenched in the collective memory of her Dominican brothers and sisters that it has remained firmly in the Order’s history. She continues to offer the witness of a child with mature desires, and a faith unspoiled in its intensity.

Imelda understood instinctively what many of us have forgotten: that it is the single-hearted who are blessed and that unless we become like children we cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

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We are many parts of one body

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See more photos at southtexascatholic.com/feastofcc

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HOW DO YOU HELP YOUR CHILDREN DEVELOP, LEARN, AND GROW TO REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL? PARENTS AS TEACHERS CAN HELP! CALL (361) 884-0651 EXT. 287 In the first few years children learn more - and at a faster pace - than at any other time in life! 

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Free parent education program. Participate in on-ground visits (at your home), in live video visits using a camera-enabled device, or using a telephone.

Free enrollment for Prenatal Mothers, Dads, Moms, Grandparents raising grand-children and Caregivers of children from 0-5 years of age who reside in Nueces County.

Fun parent-child activities.

Resource connections you need to make the best choices for your family.

Free monthly books for your child’s home library.

Child developmental screenings.

Personal visits customized for the needs of your family.

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Special Thanks

Bishop of Corpus Christi Most Reverend Wm. Michael Mulvey, STL DD

Confessors Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody, Very Rev. James G. Stembler, Very Rev. Richard Libby, Fr. Sam Medley and Fr. Matthew Stephan

Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia Very Rev. James G. Stembler

Musicians Marc Joseph from St. Joseph Church in Alice, Cristian De La Rosa from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Steve Cortinas from St. Philip the Apostle Church, Orlando Zepeda from St. Martin of Tours Church in Kingsville, Vic Benys III & group from St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Carissa Reyes & group from St. Thomas More Church and Alex Oldroyd from Corpus Christi Cathedral

Director of the Office of Multicultural Ministry & Coordinator for the Feast of Corpus Christi Jaime Reyna Director of Divine Worship & Rector of the Corpus Christi Cathedral Very Rev. Pete Elizardo Traveling Monstrance Fr. José Naúl Ordoñez Coordinators for the Traveling Monstrance Very Rev. Ray Yrlas for the Refugio Deanery, Very Rev. Richard Gonzales for the Beeville Deanery, Very Rev.Christopher Becerra for the Alice Deanery, Very Rev. Joseph Lopez for the Kingsville Deanery, Very Rev. Richard Libby for the Corpus Christi Southside Deanery and Very Rev. Pete Elizardo for the Corpus Christi Northside Deanery Department for Discipleship & Evangelization Deacon Santos Jones, Margie Rivera and Heath Garcia Communications/South Texas Catholic Director Julie Stark, Mary Cottingham, Elizabeth Morales and Aaron Benavidez, Gloria Romero and Chloe Rodriguez Public Offices Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo and Sheriff J. C. Hooper American Sign Language Interpreters (ASL) Terry Espinoza, David Gaitan and Mari Rivera

Volunteers from other Organizations and Offices Corpus Christi Cathedral Staff Diocesan Telecommunications Corp.

Office of Vocations Catholic Charities Mother Teresa Shelter Federation of Our Lady of Guadalupe Societies Young Catholic Adults Catholic Daughters of the Americas from Holy Family Knights of Columbus Office of Catholic Schools Sponsors/Donors Ss. Cyril & Methodius Church, Felipe & Maria Macias, Oso Golf Course, Apollo Towing, Innovative Signs, Ruben & Belinda Riojas, Seminarian Ruben Riojas III, Brenda Riojas & “One Bead At a Time Rosaries,” Knights of Columbus Council #10677 from St. Andrew by the Sea, and Guadalupanas from Holy Family Church in Corpus Christi

Retired Priests for Holy Hour Msgr. Mark Chamberlin, Fr. Jose Salazar, Fr. Matthew Stephan, Msgr. Seamus McGowan, and Msgr. Marcos Martinez Lectors for Holy Hour Charles Silvas, Luis Lozano, Raymond Pendleton, Thomas Swierc and Ruben Riojas, III WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

Individual Volunteers Carlos De La Rosa, Marty Wind, Minnie Moraida, Roland Moraida, Linda Guartuche, Rudy Ortiz, Nilda Reyes, Celia Méndez, Lisa Olmos, Gracie Gibbon, Daniel Rosa, Marco Medina, James & Ashley Crimmins, Molly Demel, John Rossiter, Irma Reyes, Silvia Peña, Elda Garcia, Kathleen Huffmeyer, Sharon Longoria, John Longoria, Luke Joseph Piedra, Mary Crabtree, Sandra Castellanos, Angie Ortiz, Nellie Serna, Noe & Magdalena Lugo

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COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE South Texas Catholic 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi, TX 78401-0824 (361) 882-6191

SAVE THE DATE:

June 24 and 25, 2022

Make plans to attend this celebration of His Real Presence.

June 16

Feast of Corpus Christi at Corpus Christi Cathedral: Holy Hours and Procession

June 16-25 Nine Day Novena Begins

June 24-25

Eucharistic Congress More information coming soon to

diocesecc.org/ec2022