Holy Cross and St. Maron, both in northeast Minneapolis, are two of seven churches participating June 11 in the 18th annual eucharistic procession that winds through their neighborhoods. The seven reflect multiple ethnicities and Catholic rites, including St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church in northeast Minneapolis.
“One of the beauties of the northeast region is that, historically, there was a wide smattering of … eastern European Catholic churches of different national varieties, as well as Eastern Catholic rites,” said Sam Backman, director of music at Holy Cross. That rich heritage continues today, and even with “another layer,” he said.
Sts. Cyril and Methodius, for example, started as a Czech parish but now is largely Hispanic, Backman said. “Similarly, St. Boniface, originally a German parish, is now largely occupied by Francophone (French-speaking) people from Africa,” he said.
“Practicing Catholic” radio show host Patrick Conley recently interviewed Backman and Chorbishop Sharbel Maroun of St. Maron about the upcoming procession.
The procession is used because of the proximity of Catholic churches in northeast Minneapolis, Chorbishop Maroun said. Connecting the churches indicates unity, that “we are one, holy Catholic and apostolic Church,” he said. Chorbishop Maroun said people would be surprised at how many people see the procession “and they are amazed,” he said.
“Wherever Jesus goes, there’s a blessing that is peace, that is hope and that is love,” Chorbishop Maroun said. “And even for those who don’t know him, he wants to come into their hearts as well.”
Backman said there will be shuttle buses for people before and after the procession. It begins at 3 p.m. at Holy Cross and ends at All Saints. To learn more details and to hear the full interview, listen to this episode of “Practicing Catholic,” which debuts at 9 p.m. June 2 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM and repeats at 1 p.m. June 3 and 2 p.m. June 4.
Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the latest show also includes an interview with Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis, who gives insight to the ongoing implementation of the Archdiocesan Synod and formation of Synod Evangelization Teams at parishes; and Father Michael Van Sloun, director of clergy personnel for the archdiocese, who provides tips to support young people preparing for marriage.
Listen to interviews after they have aired at PracticingCatholicShow.com or choose a streaming platform at anchor.fm/practicing-catholic-show.
