Tonawanda parish celebrates Feast of Corpus Christi

While others carry their own crosses or the burdens of the past, Father Matt Nycz openly carried hope in the form of the Eucharist. On Corpus Christi Sunday, the pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish walked the streets of his Tonawanda neighborhood in an individual Corpus Christi procession with Eucharist in the monstrance. 

“Although this was not an organized group event, over 30 people prayerfully followed – respecting proper physical distancing and face masks requirements,” Father Nycz said. “It is such a proof that God can draw good out of the COVID-19 evil. Perhaps this is the start of a new Corpus Christi parish custom.”

The three-mile walk processed through the streets within the parish boundaries, beginning and ending at the church located about two blocks north of Kenmore Avenue on Claremont Avenue. Although this was not an organized event, parishioners and members of the community followed on the public sidewalks. Some participants gave a freewill donation for diocesan Catholic Charities Appeal on behalf of the parish to help the needy. 

“In these challenging times, we as Christians can help with the most powerful defenses we have at our disposal – prayer, forgiveness and love. Inspired by one of our parish families and by the Holy Spirit, we are starting a new prayer initiative, which we open to all parishioners and all Catholics from Western New York,” Father Nycz explained.