(Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash)
MADISON — “O salutaris Hostia, Quae cæli pandis ostium: Bella premunt hostilia, Da robur, fer auxilium.”
At 10 a.m. Madison time on Sunday, June 2 (5 p.m. Vatican time), a small gathering at St. Patrick Church in Madison chanted the familiar hymn for exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, invited the whole world, at that time, to join together in a Holy Hour on the feast of Corpus Christi.
Exposition and Holy Hour
Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison led the exposition before sitting in front of the monstrance as he adored the Blessed Sacrament, along with those who arrived one hour before Mass to participate in the Holy Hour.
As more people entered the church, participants prayed silently and adored the body of Christ.
He said all should “rejoice in the fact we are universal,” and the faithful are putting that “universality on display.”
He also reflected upon the growth in a desire for Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese of Madison. He said an increase in Adoration has meant a growth in vacations.
The bishop said Adoration is the “source of good, strong marriages,” and the “foundation of the priesthood,” noting the decisions to marry or prepare for the priesthood are sometimes made in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
He also spoke on the physical state of the Eucharist, and said bread means freedom; the Eucharist is a “sign of religious freedom.”
He noted Catholics are “losing their zeal” when it comes to issues that challenge religious freedom. The bishop gave words of hope though, saying “the Lord guarantees victory for religious freedom” and Adoration gives everyone a chance to “grow in the wisdom that only comes from the Eucharist.”
After the bishop’s first homily, the now-growing congregation all joined in singing “At That First Eucharist.”
Intentions of the pope
Before the Blessed Sacrament was reposed prior to the 11 a.m. Mass, the bishop led everyone in prayer for the intentions of Pope Francis.
The first intention asked for the Church to be united around the world and more obedient to hearing God’s word.
The second intention was for victims, vulnerable children, and the poor around the world.
Madison: a city that ‘thirsts’
The Blessed Sacrament was reposed and 11 a.m. Mass began.
After the Sunday readings, the bishop came forward for his second homily of the day, this one pertaining more to the upcoming procession to the State Capitol.
The bishop several times referred to Madison as a “secular city” with a “culture that hungers and thirsts for wisdom and the freedom” through Christ, adding, they “just don’t know it.”
He said “when we hit the streets, we bring them something to eat . . . really offering this city something to eat,” giving them Jesus.
Marching to the Capitol
As the Mass came to an end, the procession lined up. Four servers waited outside St. Patrick Church with a protective covering, which was placed over the Blessed Sacrament on its way to the Capitol.
Msgr. Kevin Holmes, pastor of the Cathedral Parish in Madison, carried the monstrance behind servers with bells and incense, and followed by the bishop and the congregation.
As the procession made its way outside of St. Patrick onto Hancock St., and then onto East Washington Ave., the congregation sang “To Jesus Christ, our sovereign king,” along with other hymns of praise.
As the procession made its way southwest toward the Capitol, it moved alongside the city’s latest “Ride the Drive” event, where bicycle riders took to the city’s streets normally filled with automobile traffic.
When the procession got a block away from the Capitol, a rock band performing in the square stopped playing as they saw the procession and heard the hymns.
Many people in the downtown area became onlookers as the procession went around the square to the State St. side of the Capitol.
The Blessed Sacrament was taken to the top of the Capitol steps, where an altar was prepared. The bishop and servers followed.
Offering Christ to Madison
Bishop Morlino then got in front of a microphone to speak to all who would listen. He said the displaying of the Blessed Sacrament on the Capitol steps was “not to put on a show.”
He remarked, “We love Madison . . . We’re offering truth, peace, and freedom in Christ present in the Eucharist.”
He said that is what every Madisonian wants deep in their hearts.
After some moments of Adoration and reflection, the Benediction took place.
The singing of “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name” on the State Capitol steps ended the multi-hour ceremony.
The Blessed Sacrament was put in a tabernacle and taken back to church as the crowd slowly dispersed into a warm, sunny, Sunday afternoon.
“Fill the heav’ns with sweet accord: Holy, holy, holy Lord.”