Why are processions important? Processions are formalized movements from one location to another which usually involve singing. Processions are not a performance and are not for show as a parade. Catholic liturgical processions symbolize the movement of our lives from life to death to eternal life, or from sin to forgiveness and new life. A major biblical image comes from the Exodus procession of the Israelites from Egypt through the Red Sea to the promised land, that is, from the place of slavery to the place of freedom, from the place of oppression and suffering to the ‘land flowing with milk and honey.’  In fact the Exodus gives us the roots of our understanding of Baptism as a washing with water that cleanses us from sin and death (place of slavery) and brings us into the new life of the Resurrection (promised land). Eucharist is described as the “manna from heaven” which was the food for the journey of the Israelites through the desert into the promised land. The Sacraments of the Church ritualize God’s blessings upon our pilgrim journey of faith to the Father’s house.

 

In the Old Testament (OT) processions usually involve singing, as seen in the Psalms about the Exodus, and in the yearly pilgrim processions to the Temple in Jerusalem. The heavenly Jerusalem is an end time image of our destination of faith. Processions, then, remind us that life is a pilgrimage to our final destination. We are on a religious journey from our lives here on earth to the Father’s house in the heavenly kingdom. 

 

Pilgrimage to a religious shrine or location is an extended procession because it is a religious journey where one sets out with religious motivations to encounter God, usually to a specific place. Common pilgrimage destinations include religious shrines and churches of historical importance, and World Youth Day pilgrimages to specific places to meet the Pope. Pilgrimages usually have a destination, but getting there is just as important as the destination. Various problems and inconveniences on the way provide the Christian with experiences of the Cross. When these inconveniences are received in faith they give meaning and growth to those who have eyes to see. 

 

Pilgrimage has been a part of Catholic tradition from the very early times of Christianity, which find roots in the OT as seen above. Pilgrims are not tourists, but persons of faith on a journey to encounter God and find meaning. Common pilgrim practices include: begging for travel funds or hospitality, fasting, praying, Eucharistic Adoration, going to Confession, and attending daily Mass. 

 

Our processions at Mass are mini-pilgrimages that symbolize the pilgrimage of life to our eternal home. As we get into line to receive Holy Communion, we should not think that we are simply getting in line to get something. We are processing to the altar of God, to receive His grace and blessing, that is His very Self. Is there a more important procession in the whole of our lives? As we take each step closer to the altar, we can reflect on our lives as a journey towards God surrounded by our family in Christ. And this is worth singing about!

 

Fr. Will