This sidebar first appeared in the January 2008 issue of Universitas. The main article talked about the Eucharistic procession that happened two months prior the publication of Universitas. The event was led by Msgr. Joseph Duran, the Vice Grand Chancellor of the University and Regional Vicar of Opus Dei in the Philippines that time, with the assistance of Fr. Caesar Santos, Fr. Juan Manuel Perez, Fr. Carlos Estrada, and Fr. Edgar Soria.
“Standing on the flower-strewn floor, I found myself in awe of what was happening around me. Everyone was down on his knees, totally wrapped up in what was taking place. I did not plan on immersing myself in the rite that was going on. All I really wanted was to attend the event, pass a paper on it, and get a good grade. But I began to have a strange feeling inside me that confused me at first. I felt that what I was seeing around me was something bigger than I am and that I wanted to be part of it.
I thought of my spiritual life and how much I had left it at languish. Later on, however, I felt better because I realized that I still want Christ to be in my life. I may not be a perfect Christian, but I need not be an outsider looking in.”
“During the Procession, I felt like something heavy was lifted from me. When I was there, I felt peaceful and serene. The Procession and the flowers reminded me that there is beauty in this tainted world. Despite men’s sins and wrongdoings, God will always be waiting with open arms, ready to forgive us. We just need to open our hearts to Him and learn how to ask for forgiveness. This experience helped me reflect a lot about my spiritual life and relationship with God. I shouldn’t neglect it or take it for granted.”
“It was great that I was able to attend the Eucharistic Procession this year. I saw how the school gives importance to faith in God and how a lot of people took part with piety and seriousness. I can’t say that my faith is strong, so joining the Procession will, I know, help strengthen my faith.”
“This event served as a break from all the disturbing things happening in the world. It was a time to reflect and, most especially, to unite and be one with God. Being close to God and following his teachings will help us not only now but all our life.”
“I felt so privileged to be part of the Eucharistic Procession…. Unlike most students who took part only on the day of the Procession, I was involved even the day before, kneeling on the floor, trying my best to put together a beautiful carpet in honor of our Lord. Each petal had to be placed on a precise spot for the whole thing to be worth offering to God. Although I knew that the final “product” would be stepped on, that didn’t stop me from working on and making that sacrifice for God.”
“Although I went to a Catholic high school, I have never experienced a Eucharistic Procession…. I was skeptical about it and didn’t take it seriously. The whole event was alien to me and, frankly, it felt a little scary.
However, as the event began, I started feeling differently. I started singing along, reciting prayers, and stopped complaining to myself and to the people beside me. As we stopped at the stations, I started to see why this event was so important. We are at that point in our life when it is so easy to lose our way. So we need to spiritually strengthen ourselves. The Eucharistic Procession is also our way to celebrate God’s involvement in our lives and in our choices on our future path.
This is more than just a profession of faith; this is a symbolic gesture of our desire not to be ever separated from God, specially during the times we are most weak.”
“During the procession, I felt the solemnity of the celebration. Each offering, each action bore so much significance for those who took part in the event…. It opened their eyes to the reality of Christ’s love for us, and that we are indeed one in Him. The procession also showed how much people valued their beliefs, religion, and the sense of community that they share.”
“I was hesitant to attend the Eucharistic Procession because of my different belief. We do not have such a practice in our religion…. Although I really did not understand the reason behind it, I respected and solemnly participated in the ceremony. I was also one of those who helped in making the floral carpet. I saw how determined people were to make the path that Jesus will be walking on special. I was glad I could help.
The unity in the school was manifested when everybody welcomed the Eucharist. Thought it was raining, I felt the warmth of the presence that covered the school.”
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