Save the date: Eucharistic procession slated for Aug. 19

June 13, 2023

Save the date
From St. Anthony to St. Ambrose, Eucharistic procession planned

Join the Diocese of Des Moines in a public profession of faith with a Eucharistic procession slated for Aug. 19.

In keeping with the spirit of the national Eucharistic Revival, Bishop William Joensen will celebrate an outdoor Mass beginning at 9 a.m. at the grotto at St. Anthony Church in Des Moines. At the conclusion of Mass, a 1.4-mile Eucharistic procession will begin at the grotto and lead to St. Ambrose Cathedral downtown, ending with Benediction. 

Concluding the day of fun, faith and fellowship, a lunch reception will be at the Catholic Pastoral Center across the street. Shuttles will provide rides back to vehicles that may be parked at St. Anthony Church.

This is the second annual Eucharistic procession. Last year’s procession route began at the Basilica of St. John and led to St. Ambrose Cathedral. 

The procession supports an effort by the U.S. bishops to draw people back to the source and summit of the Catholic faith: the Eucharist. 

A phase focusing on diocesan revival has ended and a new phase of the process has begun with a focus on renewal within parishes. During this year, parishes will strengthen liturgical life through celebration of the Mass, opportunities for adoration, missions, sharing resources and more.

Parishes may encourage small faith-sharing groups to consider using a new five-part video series called “Why Mass?” found at WhyMass.org. Additional resources will be coming to parishes in the fall.

The renewed emphasis on a diocesan and parish level on the Eucharist will culminate with a National Eucharistic Congress July 17-21, 2024. Up to 80,000  Catholics are expected at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis to reconsecrate their hearts to the source and summit of the faith.

Following the national gathering, the emphasis will move to a year of going out on mission. The Church prays that the Holy Spirit will send the faithful on mission to spread the gift of the Eucharist with others.