Faithful in Auburn hold Eucharistic Procession through campus amid pandemic

For The Catholic Week
AUBURN — Catholic students of Auburn University, associated with Auburn Catholic Campus Ministry, again demonstrated their devotion to the Holy Eucharist as the center of their lives with the eighth annual Eucharistic Procession through the Auburn University campus on Oct. 5.
Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the collegian faithful were not distracted from making sure this annual procession took place. In fact, there was resolve that this year it must take place. With the organizational skills and patience of Campus Minister Rudi A. DiPrima, the leadership of the Catholic Student Organization and the clergy of St. Michael Parish all working with Auburn University officials responsible for ensuring protocols implemented during pandemic, the procession was approved although limited to 50 participants. Because of the limitations, other collegians and members of St. Michael Parish, who otherwise would have been on campus, gathered in the parish church and participated in Eucharistic Adoration while the procession was going through Auburn’s campus.
“I felt peacefulness knowing that He is with me on my school journey,” Auburn student Juan Maurisio said.
“Being able to walk with Our Lord in procession on campus showed such humility, love and devotion. I know I can overcome anything that the university throws at me. I am glad I was able to experience this sign of Love with my classmates.”
During the procession, members of Auburn Catholic Campus Ministry and FOCUS missionaries knelt as the Lord in the Eucharist processed through the campus.
It allowed them the opportunity to explain to other collegians what the procession was about and the belief of Our Lord being truly present in the Eucharist.
Msgr. Michael L. Farmer, pastor of St. Michael Parish, stated it is a testimony the Catholic college students’ and the parish faithful’s faith in the Holy Eucharist that the procession particularly had to take place this year, while many religious institutions, churches and ministries have not re-opened or resumed out of caution or fear of COVID-19.
He pointed out that St. Michael Parish and Auburn Catholic Campus Ministry have been open and engaged in the community throughout COVID-19.
“Primarily inspiring is that our college students know the importance of the Holy Eucharist in their lives and this is demonstrated by this annual procession, their weekly holy hours and large numbers that show up daily and each Sunday for Mass,” Msgr. Farmer said.
He further added his thanks and appreciation to Auburn University for working with the Auburn Campus Catholic Ministry to ensure the procession could take place amid trying times and assisting with a procession that offered hope and calm.