Warren — For the past few years, parishioners at St. Martin de Porres Parish have celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi with in international theme, thanks to their Polish pastor Fr. Roman Pasieczny.



Prior to their 10 a.m. Mass on June 26, the congregation processed outside, following the Blessed Sacrament. They prayed in front of four different shrines, each adorned with a Eucharist-themed banner that Fr. Pasieczny obtained from Poland.

At each shrine, the parishioners prayed for a special attention. At the first shrine, featuring a statue of Blessed John Paul II, they prayed for bishops and priests. At the second, featuring a consoling angel, they prayed for the sick and suffering. At the third, the shrine to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, they prayed for their parish community. And at the fourth, a shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary, they prayed for the men and women in the U.S. military.

“Corpus Christi is the beautiful feast where we honor the Blessed Sacrament,” Fr. Pasieczny said. “Eucharist is communion with God – so we thank God for this great gift he has given to us for our salvation.”



Parish families, who have been accustomed to the procession for the past five years, say it is a touching tradition.

“It’s a beautiful tribute to the Blessed Sacrament,” said parishioner Louann Bartlett.

Added her husband, Richard, “Someone told me that Father was out here since 2 a.m. in the morning (preparing the shrines). I believe it.”