"In the process of salvation by co-operating with grace through faith in Jesus Christ, as sustained

"In the process of salvation by co-operating with grace through faith in Jesus Christ, as sustained by the sacraments and by works of love, because faith without works is dead."

Monday, June 23, 2025

The Feast of Corpus Christi

 



Corpus Christi in Little Italy: A Sacred Procession Through Faith and Memory

Each year, as summer begins to bloom across San Diego, something extraordinary happens in the heart of Little Italy. Streets that usually echo with laughter, espresso clinks, and the hum of the Mercato fall into a reverent hush as clergy, Knights of Columbus, altar servers, and parishioners process solemnly through the neighborhood—bearing the Body of Christ beneath a canopy held high. This is the Feast of Corpus Christi, and at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, it’s not just a tradition—it’s a powerful testament of faith, heritage, and community.

What Is Corpus Christi?

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, known simply as Corpus Christi, was established in the 13th century to honor the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Inspired by the mystical visions of St. Juliana of Liège and formally instituted by Pope Urban IV in 1264—prompted by Thomas Aquinas and the Eucharistic Miracle at Bolsena—Corpus Christi became a way for the Church to publicly and joyfully proclaim the Eucharistic presence of Christ beyond the confines of the altar.



Our Lady of the Rosary: An Italian-American Beacon

Founded in 1925 by Italian immigrants under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Sylvester Rabagliati—a Salesian priest from Italy and disciple of St. John Bosco—the parish at the corner of State and Columbia Streets embodies the Italian immigrant spirit. Its richly decorated interior, designed by Venetian artist Fausto Tasca and sculptor Carlos Romanelli, and its continued preservation efforts reflect its status as the spiritual and cultural jewel of San Diego’s Little Italy sandiegoknightsofcolumbus.com+12olrsd.org+12catholicpronetwork.com+12stmichaelsandiego.org.


A Personal Note: A Knight’s Privilege

I missed the procession this year—and I felt its absence deeply.

In past years—as a parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary and as a brother Knight in the Knights of Columbus—I’ve had the deeply humbling privilege of volunteering during the procession. I’ve stood guard by the monstrance, ensuring its dignity and protection, and I’ve carried the processional canopy, a sacred honor that forged a direct connection between my faith, my heritage, and the Body of Christ walking through our community.

Faith in the Streets of Little Italy



The Corpus Christi procession at OLR typically begins with solemn Mass and culminates with an outdoor Eucharistic procession winding through Little Italy. Participants include clergy in Eucharistic vestments, incense-bearing servers, choir members chanting hymns, brother Knights, and faithful parishioners. The route traverses Italian delis, cafés, and shops—bringing Christ into the rhythm of everyday life in this historic neighborhood.

It is a Eucharistic renewal—not just of belief, but of presence: a reminder that the Church lifts Christ up for the world to see.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

This year’s observance also aligned with the broader National Eucharistic Revival, calling Catholics back to the source and summit of our faith. OLR’s Corpus Christi celebration reminds us that:

  • Faith belongs in public—not just behind church doors.

  • Cultural heritage, especially our Italian-American legacy, is worth preserving.

  • The Eucharist is not a symbol, but a living Person—Christ Himself, present in love and carried through the streets.

A Living Legacy

In Little Italy, Corpus Christi at OLR is not just a feast—it’s a heritage. Incense in the streets, Latin hymns echoing off stucco walls, and the golden monstrance catching sunlight as it turns a corner onto India Street—all bear witness to a living Church. For those who’ve walked under that canopy, guarded that monstrance, or simply followed in prayer, we know: this is what it means to be part of a living legacy—rooted in faith, carried in community, given to the world.

If you’ve never experienced Corpus Christi in Little Italy, I warmly invite you to join us next year. Come witness the beauty. Come feel the reverence. Come walk with us. And if you’re a brother Knight—you already know: bring your gloves.

Viva Cristo Re.

Location & Contact

Our Lady of the Rosary Church
1668 State St, San Diego, CA 92101
📞 (619) 234‑4820
🕘 Mass Times: Weekdays 7 AM; Sundays 7 AM & 10 AM (live-streamed available) sdcathedral.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1olrsd.org

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