To mark the year of the Eucharist, the West Hull Parishes of Corpus Christi, St Joseph’s and St Wilfrid’s decided to bring the miracle of the Blessed Sacrament to the streets of Hull.

The idea had been conceived at one of the first combined parish meetings a few months previous, and although some parishioners had reservations, it was agreed, that if permission could be granted the event would take place on the 26^th June. So it was a few months later, on a beautiful sunny, Sunday afternoon, we met at St Josephs, on Boothferry Road, for a short service. We listened to the account of the disciples walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, accompanied by Jesus, though his identity was hidden from them. How appropriate, for we were about to walk through Hull, accompanied by Jesus, though to many he might seem ‘in disguise’. Shortly afterwards, the procession headed off on its two mile journey, to St Wilfrid’s on the Boulevard.

Altar Servers from all three parishes participated. At the front of the procession was the cross, flanked by two acolytes. Banners from all three parishes where carried. Three of our first communion children, Conner Overfield, Ryan Lever and Chuku Ogunleye also took part, dressed in their first communion finery.

As is the tradition, right at the very end, beneath the golden canopy which was carried in turn by the Polish and South Indian Communities, came the most important person, Jesus Christ, present in the Blessed Sacrament, carried by  Fr William Massie, who wearing the cope and humeral veil certainly turned some heads along the streets of Hull. Just ahead of the Blessed Sacrament two thurifers incensed the way.

During the first part of our journey, we pondered Christ’s life and works as we prayed the Rosary, reciting the Mysteries of Light. Once we had finished the rosary we continued our own private devotions silently. As we went along we were greeted by mixed responses. Yes we had the odd heckle, some people looked a little amused or embarrassed, but there was also curiosity, plenty of car horns honked, but the moment I personally will never forget is as we came into view of St Matthew’s Anglican Church beneath the flyover, the cheer and applause that went up. Members of our churches who where unable to walk the full length of the procession met us here along with Rev Allen Bagshawe the Vicar of St Matthews. As we descended the ramp from the flyover to the boulevard our silent prayers were broken as we sang ‘Oh Bread of Heaven’.

 Maybe the look of joy on those waiting for us was due to the fact that we’d finally arrived twenty minutes later then we were supposed to, but I prefer to think that they were all experiencing the same indescribable thrill and happiness that was brought about from the awesome sight of Our Lord giving his blessing on the city of Hull.

A short reading and prayers were read by Rev Bagshawe, then the procession continued on it’s final stretch along the Boulevard as we prayed the glorious mysteries of the rosary until we reached St Wilfrid’s  to finish with Benediction, followed by tea and stickies in the hall.

Michelle Robertson