Redemptionis Sacramentum - Part 29

3. Eucharistic Congresses and Eucharistic Processions

[142.] “It is for the diocesan Bishop to establish regulations about processions in order to provide for participation in them and for their being carried out in a dignified way”[241] and to promote adoration by the faithful.

[143.] “Wherever it is possible in the judgement of the diocesan Bishop, a procession through the public streets should be held, especially on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ as a public witness of reverence for the Most Holy Sacrament”,[242] for the “devout participation of the faithful in the eucharistic procession on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ is a grace from the Lord which yearly fills with joy those who take part in it”.[243]

[144.] Although this cannot be done in some places, the tradition of holding eucharistic processions should not be allowed to be lost. Instead, new ways should be sought of holding them in today’s conditions: for example, at shrines, or in public gardens if the civil authority agrees.

[145.] The pastoral value of Eucharistic Congresses should be highly esteemed, and they “should be a genuine sign of faith and charity”.[244] Let them be diligently prepared and carried out in accordance with what has been laid down,[245] so that Christ’s faithful may have the occasion to worship the sacred mysteries of the Body and Blood of the Son of God in a worthy manner, and that they may continually experience within themselves the fruits of the Redemption.[246]