A large number of students took part in the Corpus Christi Procession at Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) this year. It took place on 27th November, the Solemnity of Christ the King. Before the date, the altar server boys held a series of rehearsals. The choir also prepared and their performance improved with a new drum set.

The procession began at about 10:40 am, immediately after the 9.30 am Mass. About 150 persons participated in the procession which proceeded in a dignified fashion with a cross bearer, two acolytes, a bell ringer and a thurifer, all dressed in black trousers, white shirts and matching black ties. Right behind them was the chaplain, Fr Ifeanyi, carrying the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance accompanied by Fr Leo, the other chaplain. The members of the choir led the singing and followed behind and then the people. Even the clouds provided adequate cover, shielding the sun from the people and thus making the procession more pleasant for them.

It is customary in these parts to have the people in front and the Blessed Sacrament at the end of the procession. However, we decided to have the Blessed Sacrament in front of the people so they could see and adore the Eucharist in the Monstrance while moving. A van with musical instruments that were difficult to carry accompanied the procession at the back of the procession.

The procession started from the university chapel to the hostel area and terminated in the foyer of the School of Science and Technology with a benediction. The distance covered was not so long but good enough for the faithful to pray. In all, the procession took about forty minutes. Many people commented afterwards that it was a marked improvement from last year’s procession. Clearly, the more students participate in the sacred event, the more beautiful it is. The choristers did a good job with the songs that lifted the souls of the people.

We hope that the procession next year would even be better.

This article was published in the Facebook page of Eleko Study Centre.