Archbishop Richard Henning led a Eucharistic pilgrimage-by-sea in Boston, bringing the sacrament to coastal Catholics. The procession, held on June 21 and 22, aimed to continue the effects of the Eucharistic Congress and bring the Eucharistic Revival to Boston. Henning chose a boat procession due to the challenges of traffic and venue costs in Boston. The archbishop's connection to the sea and the coastal communities' history inspired the event.
5 months ago
Archbishop Richard Henning of Boston led a unique two-day Eucharistic pilgrimage-by-sea in Boston Harbor on June 21 and 22, coinciding with the feast of Corpus Christi 1. This initiative was part of the broader Church’s Eucharistic Revival efforts 1. The procession involved Archbishop Henning traveling in a small boat with a monstrance, bringing the sacramental presence of Christ to Catholics in coastal towns between Gloucester and Boston 1.
The idea for the sea pilgrimage originated from Archbishop Henning's past experience as Bishop of Providence, Rhode Island, and his personal affinity for the ocean 1. He aimed to continue the impact of the Eucharistic Congress locally, as the national pilgrimage did not pass through Massachusetts 1. Recognizing the logistical difficulties of gathering large crowds in Boston due to traffic and venue costs, Henning decided to "bring the Eucharist to them, in their communities" 1. Instead of a typical boat procession where people would follow, the plan involved going ashore at various ports, inviting local communities to gather at their waterfronts 1. This approach, initially a logistical decision, fostered a profound sense among attendees that "the Lord was coming to them" 1.
While Archbishop Henning initially hoped the event would attract non-churchgoers, he observed that the participants were primarily already practicing Catholics 1. He noted that even devout Catholics needed this experience for reinforcement, consolation, and encouragement, especially given Boston's "painful history" 1. The event was a significant collaborative effort, involving the archdiocese's evangelization and catechesis office, local pastors, community volunteers, police, fire departments, and harbormasters 1. For Archbishop Henning, who was installed in October, the pilgrimage also served as his first visit to many of these parishes, deepening his relationship with the archdiocese's Catholics 1.
Archbishop Henning views the wider Eucharistic Revival movement as a powerful work of the Holy Spirit, extending beyond the United States 1. He believes it is shifting the Church's focus from institutional and bureaucratic concerns back to Christ himself 1. He noted a notable revival among youth, particularly college students and young adults, even in secular Massachusetts, attributing this resurgence partly to the Eucharistic Revival 1. Henning emphasizes the importance of charismatic preaching that returns to foundational beliefs, a principle he applied in his installation homily by sharing his personal faith journey 1. He stressed that his ministry as archbishop is about pointing people to the Lord, not himself 1.
Archbishop Henning expressed that his personal experience at the Eucharistic Congress was deeply impactful, fostering an authentic sense of communion among 50,000 people 1. He frequently uses Gospel imagery, such as being "in the boat together" with Christ, to convey messages of trust and shared journey 1. He finds the sea a place of quiet prayer and reflection, where he is reminded of something "vastly larger and greater than yourself" 1. Regarding the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Henning is struck by the Pope's serenity, biblical preaching, and willingness to surrender himself to his ministry, seeing these as positive signs that can amplify the spiritual stirrings among the youth 1.
How does the Church define the Eucharist's distribution?
The Church defines the distribution of the Eucharist with specific norms regarding who may administer it and under what circumstances.
Bishops, priests, and deacons are considered the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion . By virtue of their sacred ordination, bishops and priests offer the sacrifice in the person of Christ and distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to the faithful . Deacons also assist in distributing Communion and, when the Eucharist is distributed under both forms, the deacon administers the chalice .
In cases of true necessity, non-ordained faithful may be deputed as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion . This role is supplementary and extraordinary, intended for situations where there are no ordained ministers present, or when the number of faithful is particularly large, which would excessively prolong the distribution of Communion . The diocesan bishop may depute such individuals, or in exceptional circumstances, the presiding priest may authorize them ad actum .
The faithful are not permitted to take the consecrated bread or the sacred chalice by themselves, nor to hand them to one another . When receiving Holy Communion, communicants bow their head as a gesture of reverence . The consecrated host may be received either on the tongue or in the hand, at the discretion of each communicant . When receiving under both kinds, a sign of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood .
Historically, the Precious Blood was received directly from the chalice, though in Rome, after the eighth century, a small tube (fistula) was sometimes used . The practice of deacons distributing the chalice to the laity was observed until Communion under both kinds was discontinued .
In the Eastern Churches, while priests are primarily responsible for distributing the Eucharist, particular law may allow deacons or other faithful to distribute it . However, Eastern traditions emphasize the profound sacredness of Holy Communion, and reserving its distribution normally to priests manifests this sacredness . The faculty for those other than bishops, priests, or deacons to distribute the Eucharist is generally exercised only in cases of true emergency to maintain coherence with the spiritual framework of the liturgical tradition .
When Holy Communion is distributed under both species, careful planning is undertaken to ensure enough bread and wine are prepared for the faithful at each Mass . Generally, Holy Communion is given from hosts consecrated at the same Mass, and the Precious Blood may not be reserved from one Mass for use at another . A suitable number of ministers should be provided, with a recommendation of two ministers of the Precious Blood for each minister of the Body of Christ to avoid unduly prolonging the celebration .