NEW YORK CITY – Archbishop Coakley descended the steps of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, carrying Jesus Christ into the streets of Manhattan … at rush hour.
The archbishop led a Eucharistic Procession, with thousands of Catholics – bishops, priests, religious sisters and a throng of the faithful – following in prayer and praise and complete reverence amid what could have been a hostile arena.
Instead, the onlookers proved respectful. Some were curious, asking what was taking place. Some knew, and kneeled. Officers on duty, paused traffic, and captured the procession on their phones. Others watched quietly, perhaps realizing something special was happening before them.
“It was an awesome privilege to be a part of this expression of Eucharistic faith and devotion in the heart of the great City of New York. I was both humbled and inspired by the devotion and reverence of the thousands of people who paused and prayed or just looked on reverently as the Eucharistic procession passed through the busy rush hour streets of midtown Manhattan.
“Surprisingly, I didn’t notice any hecklers or animosities even though many were undoubtedly inconvenienced by this unexpected disruption in their busy lives. The Eucharistic Revival continues to gain traction!”
The procession on Oct. 15, through Midtown Manhattan, passed several landmarks, including Radio City Music Hall, Times Square and NBC News at Rockefeller Plaza, capping a full afternoon of blessings, adoration and worship at Saint Patrick’s.
Archbishop Coakley celebrated Mass at Saint Patrick’s, known as “America’s Parish Church,” where the cornerstone was laid in August of 1858, and led and concluded the procession. Monsignor James Shea, president of the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, provided the homily. The day also included a Holy Hour with Bishop Joseph Espaillat of New York, veneration of a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis – a piece of the heart of the soon-to-be saint – and finally benediction with Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York.
More than 3,000 attendees, representing a standing-room-only crowd, filled Saint Patrick’s, while additional seating for another 1,000 was created for overflow on the street outside with a big-screen monitor delivering all that was happening inside.
The primary focus, however, was the procession, organized by the California-based Napa Institute, founded in 2010 to “inspire Catholic leaders to face and engage the growing secularization of the ‘next America.’” Archbishop Coakley serves as the Ecclesiastical Advisor for the institute.
The throng gathered inside Saint Patrick’s spilled onto the street, led by Archbishop Coakley, and were joined by others, creating a wide and long swath of processors, putting traffic at a standstill, with the assist of NYPD. Above, onlookers gazed from the windows of the many Manhattan office buildings.
“If we really believe that that’s Jesus — then we need to proclaim it!” Bishop Espaillat said during the Holy Hour. “We can’t keep it to ourselves anymore. We need to shout it from the mountain tops! We need to declare it with how we live.
“Some of you took half days off from your jobs. I commend you. That’s why we come here today to church. Your boss sees it, your co-worker sees it. And guess what: today the city of New York will also see it!”
Those processing celebrated with prayer and in song. Several attendees told Napa Institute what they thought of the Eucharistic Procession.
“Seeing Catholics from all walks of life come together with a shared love for Jesus warmed my heart,” one attendee said.
“I’m rejuvenated by the whole experience,” another said.
“I will try to live my faith more openly,” someone else shared.
Similar sentiments spread across social media platforms, some suggesting the need for processions in every major city across the U.S.
In Oklahoma City, the third annual Archdiocesan Eucharistic Procession is scheduled for Nov. 3. Parishes in the archdiocese also have processions planned. A Eucharistic pilgrimage is planned for the summer of 2025, traveling from Indianapolis to Los Angeles and passing through Oklahoma City.
Archbishop Coakley, moved by the events in New York City, said he anticipates momentum to carry on.
“It was a beautiful day with Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, veneration of the relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis and of course the amazing Eucharistic Procession,”
Archbishop Coakley said. “I am deeply grateful for the team that planned and executed such a wonderful day of faith-filled witness.
“I look forward to the continuation of the Eucharistic Congress pilgrimage that will pass through Oklahoma City next summer!”
John Helsley is editor of the Sooner Catholic.
Photo: Archbishop Coakley led the Eucharist Procession through New York City on Oct. 15. Photo NAPA Institute.